subject: What are the Facts about Patau Syndrome? [print this page] If a child is diagnosed with trisomy 13 it is important that the parents trust their obstetrician or gynecologist and have open conversation about their concerns and wishes for their child. In situations where the obstetrician or gynecologist and patient have developed a relationship, such as with a prior child or in cases where the mother has undergone a tubal ligation reversal prior to becoming pregnant, any discussion about the decisions facing the family can be comforting. For infants with Patau Syndrome, care is decided based on the specific medical situation and the family's wishes. Generally, treatment is aimed at providing comfort to the baby and to the family during this difficult time. Although long-term survival is not expected, psychological, physical, medical, occupational, and speech therapy can help families and infants cope and reach their full developmental potential.
