immediately to your local paediatric endocrinologist if you need support and advice for this. Be aware that transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinaemia (raised TSH but normal T4) may also occur. If detected this should be discussed with your local paediatric endocrinologist. Hearing All newborn babies with Down Syndrome should have the Universal Newborn Hearing Screen. Babies with Down Syndrome present with a relatively high incidence of conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss and sensorineural compared to patients without Down Syndrome. Up to a third of newborns with Down Syndrome will not pass their UNHS and the majority of these will have a conductive hearing loss . Extremely narrow ear canals can interfere with testing and hearing abilities. When universal newborn hearing screening is not available children with Down syndrome should be included in targeted screening . Passing the UNHS does not preclude the need for ongoing surveillance. If they fail their UNHS it should be checked that the screener has referred immediately for further investigation. 7. Vision Compared to the general population there is a tenfold increase in congenital cataract and infantile glaucoma may also occur. Nystagmus is present in at least 10%. As with all children, a trained person should examine newborns with Down syndrome for congenital cataract and other eye anomalies and this should be repeated at the 6 week check. Refer any possible abnormalities immediately to an ophthalmologist. 8. Gastrointestinal Tract As with all newborn babies the expectation is that they should pass meconium within 24-48 hours and any bilious vomiting is abnormal. Very careful routine examination of the external anal area should occur.
immediately to your local paediatric endocrinologist if you need support and advice for this. Be aware that transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinaemia (raised TSH but normal T4) may also occur. If detected this should be discussed with your local paediatric endocrinologist. Hearing All newborn babies with Down Syndrome should have the Universal Newborn Hearing Screen. Babies with Down Syndrome present with a relatively high incidence of conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss and sensorineural compared to patients without Down Syndrome. Up to a third of newborns with Down Syndrome will not pass their UNHS and the majority of these will have a conductive hearing loss . Extremely narrow ear canals can interfere with testing and hearing abilities. When universal newborn hearing screening is not available children with Down syndrome should be included in targeted screening . Passing the UNHS does not preclude the need for ongoing surveillance. If they fail their UNHS it should be checked that the screener has referred immediately for further investigation. 7. Vision Compared to the general population there is a tenfold increase in congenital cataract and infantile glaucoma may also occur. Nystagmus is present in at least 10%. As with all children, a trained person should examine newborns with Down syndrome for congenital cataract and other eye anomalies and this should be repeated at the 6 week check. Refer any possible abnormalities immediately to an ophthalmologist. 8. Gastrointestinal Tract As with all newborn babies the expectation is that they should pass meconium within 24-48 hours and any bilious vomiting is abnormal. Very careful routine examination of the external anal area should occur.
Neonatal-Guidelines-amended-21-3-2017.docx