The Perinatal clinic at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, operating every Tuesday and staffed by experts in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), Paediatrics, Neonatology, Anatomy, and Psychiatry, has been delivering comprehensive genetic counseling to parents of children
The Perinatal clinic at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, operating every Tuesday and
staffed by experts in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G), Paediatrics,
Neonatology, Anatomy, and Psychiatry, has been delivering comprehensive genetic
counseling to parents of children with Down syndrome and other genetic
conditions, according to Dr. Manisha R Gaikwad, Head of the Anatomy Department
at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Gaikwad noted that the institute's cytogenetic laboratory aids in
identifying common chromosomal anomalies like Down syndrome through
Karyotyping. This information was shared during an outreach event conducted by
the Anatomy Department and Perinatal clinic at AIIMS Bhubaneswar in
collaboration with the Institute of Health Sciences (Autonomous), Chandaka,
Bhubaneswar.
The outreach program at IHS, Bhubaneswar, aimed to raise awareness about
Down syndrome and other genetic disorders, drawing enthusiastic participation
from delegates.
Down syndrome, the most prevalent Trisomy in India with a frequency of 1
in 830 births, is characterized by distinctive facial features, respiratory
infections, congenital heart defects, and intellectual disability, as discussed
by experts at the event.
Highlighting the correlation between maternal age and Down syndrome
incidence, the importance of public and medical professional awareness for
timely detection and intervention was emphasized by dignitaries.
Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, stressed
the significance of conducting such outreach programs to shed light on Down
syndrome and other genetic disorders, commending the initiative.
Prof. Satya Narayan Mohapatra, Director of IHS, emphasized a
patient-centered approach in providing various therapies for genetic disorders,
stressing the need for a societal shift in handling and managing these
conditions.
The event was attended by Dr. Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy from AIIMS
Bhubaneswar and Dr. Ramya Maitreyee, Dr. Bhawani Sankar Padhy from IHS, among
others.