Down Syndrome: Health Issues - Medical Essays and Information

Last Updated:
Jan 1, 2012

by Len Leshin, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Author's note: I'm a pediatrician and the father of Avi, 18 years old, and Nathan, 20 years old. Avi has Down Syndrome ("DS" for short) and has inspired me to write these essays about children with DS for other parents. I have put them here for general reading. You may E-mail me with any questions about these essays. I have also included some other pediatric items of interest for parents.

For students writing reports, I have put together this page on Down syndrome to help you.

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My Down Syndrome Articles
Trisomy 21: Why DS Occurs Mosaic Down Syndrome Atlantoaxial Instability Celiac Disease and DS Constipation and DS Blood Disorders and DS Dermatologic Disorders and DS Musculoskeletal Disorders and DS	Epilepsy and DS Gastroesophageal Reflux Obstructive Sleep Apnea The Thyroid and DS Prenatal Testing for DS What's In a Name? Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Down Syndrome Articles
Speech/Language Therapy by L. Kumin Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy and DS by M. Bruni Adults with DS: A Specialty Clinic Perspective by Drs. Chicoine, McGuire and Rubin Metabolism in Down Syndrome by J. Medlen	Toilet Training by K. Moreno ADHD and DS by Dr. D. McBrien Dental Care and DS by Dr. E. Pilcher Issues of Sexuality in DS by Drs Van Dyke, McBrien & Sherbondy

Down Syndrome Abstract of the Month
Due to increased needs of my time elsewhere, abstract reviews have been temporarily stopped Past abstracts (Nov '97 to present)

DS Information Lists
DS Sites on the Internet: my list of over 200 websites dealing with DS Recommended List of Books	DS Clinics in the United States International DS Clinics E-mail Lists and Bulletin Boards

Down Syndrome Health Guidelines
Health Care Guidelines for People with DS Flow Sheet: Ages Birth to 12 Years Flow Sheet: Ages 13 Years to Adulthood (designed to be printed for medical records)

Controversies in DS
Minerals/Vitamins Amino Acid Profiles Piracetam Transcript of CBS' news show: "48 Hours: Hype or Hope?" Plastic Surgery	Ginkgo biloba (coming soon) Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Sicca Cell Therapy Interferon Ambrotose

My General Pediatric Articles	Other Medical Sites of Interest
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) The Chronic Runny Nose Fever in Children Influenza	What is Down Syndrome? by S. Pueschel Growth Charts for Children with DS Links to Other Medical Resources

This site was begun
June 9, 1997.

The information provided at this Web site is considered general medical
information for educational purposes and is not a substitute for the advice
of your physician. If you think that your child needs medical attention,
please go to or contact your physician or nearest health care provider.

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There is no conflict of interest between the information provided
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