Leading the way in comprehensive genetic counselling and management for Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities is AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s perinatal clinic. During an outreach program organized in conjunction with the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) in Bhubaneswar, Dr. Manisha R. Gaikwad, Head of Department, Anatomy at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, highlighted the clinic’s efforts.
Experts from Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), Paediatrics, Neonatology, Anatomy, and Psychiatry meet weekly to discuss perinatal care. This clinic is essential to providing parents of babies with Down syndrome and other genetic disorders with comprehensive care.
In order to help parents navigate the difficulties and decisions involved in raising a child with Down syndrome or other genetic abnormalities, the clinic provides genetic counseling. Understanding the genetic foundation of the problem, possible health repercussions, accessible treatment options, and techniques for offering support and care are just a few of the subjects covered in this counseling.
The cytogenetic laboratory at AIIMS Bhubaneswar is one of the most important resources accessible. It makes it easier to use kyrosotyping to identify common chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. For those with genetic illnesses, this lab is essential in validating diagnosis and directing therapy choices.
Experts talked about prevalent genetic abnormalities and the characteristics of Down syndrome during the sensitization program held at IHS, Bhubaneswar. A flat facial profile, upward-slanting eyes, simian furrow, and sandal gap are among the distinctive physical characteristics of Down syndrome, which affects 1 in 830 babies born in India. In addition, congenital heart disease, intellectual incapacity, and recurrent respiratory infections are possible side effects for those with Down syndrome.
The initiative placed a strong emphasis on raising public and medical professional awareness in order to enable prompt detection of Down syndrome and guarantee effective interventions. Early diagnosis and care of Down syndrome depend heavily on proactive awareness and screening programs, as the condition is more common in older moms.
The Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, emphasized the importance of arranging awareness campaigns such as this to increase public knowledge of genetic abnormalities, including Down syndrome. He expressed his appreciation for the clinic’s and its partners’ efforts in meeting these pressing medical requirements.
The Director of IHS, Prof. Satya Narayan Mohapatra, stressed the importance of treating common genetic illnesses from a patient-centric perspective. He emphasized the significance of an all-inclusive and ongoing treatment strategy that covers these disorders’ identification, prevention, and lifetime management.
Managing patients with common genetic abnormalities entails assembling a multidisciplinary team of experts from speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and other fields. By using a comprehensive approach, patients are guaranteed to receive individualized care that maximizes their quality of life and meets their specific needs.
The outreach program also saw participation from experts such as Dr. Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy from AIIMS Bhubaneswar and Dr. Ramya Maitreyee, Dr. Bhawani Sankar Padhy from IHS, highlighting the collaborative efforts and expertise involved in addressing genetic disorders in the region.
In conclusion, AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s initiatives in genetic counselling and management for Down Syndrome and genetic disorders exemplify a comprehensive and compassionate approach to healthcare. By integrating expertise from multiple specialties and fostering awareness and collaboration, these efforts contribute significantly to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by genetic conditions.
