Question

Research amniocentesis for Down Syndrome. What are the sensitivity and specificity for amniocentesis for Down Syndrome screening? Provide your reference/source.

Answer 1

Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the cognitive and physical defects as the heart defect, hearing disability, upward slanting eyes, and small head as well as flattened facial features.

Amniocentesis is the most preferred test for the diagnosis of the Down's syndrome it involves the testing of fluid from around the baby or tissue from the placenta. To increase the sensitivity and specificity there is requirement of the serum triple screening test (STS) as well as the integrated screening test (INS).

Furthermore by the use of the cell-free foetal DNA or by the use of the cell-free foetal placental-specific mRNA in maternal plasma we can achieve more specific results of amniocentesis for down’s syndrome.

As per the monitoring is concerned there is need of regular checkups so that their health can be monitored. Such Children should be monitored for cataracts and hearing disorders. The monitoring of the thyroid functioning is highly recommended. Other hormones functioning monitoring is also required as the Growth hormones as directly related to growth.

Hence by applying such nursing interventions the proper care of such children is assured.