Abstract

Approximately half of the individuals with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease requiring surgical repair. A holistic approach to treatment of these individuals should be focused on the management of physiological and cognitive functions. Cases requiring surgical treatment is realized that adequate level of physiological functions is not expected without surgical treatment. Inadequate physiological functions may cause in physical and cognitive function which can not get the desired efficiency. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment is crucially important for these individuals. Indıviduals with Down Syndrome, if not treated surgically because of high operative mortality, the decrease in functional capacity and quality of life is unavoidable. In both of our cases,surgical treatment was delayed by their families. Families should be informed about the success of the surgery done to cardiac problems in Down syndrome.

Key words: Down syndrome, cardiac surgery, family awareness