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World J Clin Pediatr. Nov 8, 2013; 2(4): 36-45
Published online Nov 8, 2013. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v2.i4.36
Published online Nov 8, 2013. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v2.i4.36
Echocardiography in children with Down syndrome
Mohammed A Al-Biltagi, Paediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
Author contributions: Al-Biltagi M solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Mohammed A Al-Biltagi, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Paediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, El Bahr Str, Tanta 31527, Egypt. mbelrem@hotmail.com
Telephone: +97-33-9545472 Fax: +20-40-2213543
Received: May 2, 2013
Revised: June 5, 2013
Accepted: June 19, 2013
Published online: November 8, 2013
Revised: June 5, 2013
Accepted: June 19, 2013
Published online: November 8, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Cardiac affection is a common issue in the Down syndrome (DS) population, in the form of both congenital and acquired heart disorders. Echocardiography plays an important role in the detection of such disorders. Fetal echocardiography can detect cardiac disorders as early as 10-12 wk of gestation. Echocardiographic examination is recommended for all neonates with DS in the first month of life, before any cardiac surgery, to follow up after cardiac surgery and for serial evaluation of pulmonary hypertension. It is also indicated before involvement in non-cardiac major surgery and before involvement in physical exercise.