Down syndrome: Perinatal complications and counseling experiences in 216 patients

Two hundred and sixteen infant evaluations were selected for analysis from those of 669 outpatients (930 total visits) at a weekly Down syndrome clini c. Each record contained perinatal history and physical examination results , and 191 of the 216 included a systematic interview regarding parental exp eriences with diagnosis and counseling. Gastrointestinal problems (77% of n eonates), cardiac anomalies (38%), and hematologic problems (11%)were the m ost common complications; cited problems included anal stenosis (11%), whic h is described as a newly recognized cause of constipation in early infancy . Counseling experiences were positive in 66 (34%) of the 191 parent interv iews, with counselor knowledge, timing, setting, and attitudes being cited as key factors. Appropriate counseling and surveillance for gastrointestina l problems can greatly facilitate parental adjustment to the neonate with D own syndrome. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.