People with Down syndrome on the whole do not have medical problems that differ from those in the general population. However some medical conditions are overrepresented. Most of these are treatable disorders which, if undiagnosed, impose an additional but preventable burden of secondary handicap.
The DSMIG surveillance guidelines have been developed on the basis of available evidence by a group of clinicians with a special interest in Down syndrome. They are updated as new research and audit evidence becomes available. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has been supportive of the venture and we have had guidance from the Centre for Evidence Based Child Health.
The guidelines are not a blueprint for Gold Star services. Their purpose is to set out a minimum safe standard of basic medical surveillance which we consider essential for all those with the syndrome in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
This we consider to be the identification of:
- Cardiac disease
- Cervical Spine Disorders
- Thyroid
- Hearing
- Ophthalmic problems
- and the appropriate monitoring of growth.
Information on Heath issues not covered by the guidelines can be found on our topic pages .
Most recent
Thyroid Disorder in Children and Young People with Down Syndrome updated April 2020
(please use the thyroid link above for guideline and related documents)
Neonatal Best Practice Guidance updated Sept 2018
Guidance review schedule
Our guidelines are reviewed as and when time allows. The situation as of October 2025 is as follows:
- Ophthalmic Conditions
Full evidence-based revision (2025) - Hearing
Revised as Best Practice Guidance (2017) - Cardiac
Full evidence-based revision (2007) - Cervical spine disorders
Full evidence-based revision (2024) - Thyroid
New thyroid guideline (April 2020) - Growth
Full evidence based revision (2012) - Neonatal Guidance
Full evidence based guidance (2018)