Clinical Services

Overview of services: The Duke Comprehensive Down Syndrome Clinic is available to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and young adults with Down syndrome.  We also have appointments available to expectant parents before their child with Down syndrome is born.  Our team is composed of professionals who are all focused on providing family centered, state of the art care for individuals with Down syndrome. We follow health care supervision guidelines developed by the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a tool for systematic preventative care. The clinic allows access to a number of specialists for routine preventative care or to address specific concerns. The clinic staff is also actively engaged in several areas of research focused on improving care for individuals with Down syndrome.

Appointments and contact information: To make an appointment, please call Ms. Sandra Durden at (919) 684-0307.  For physicians making a referral, please call Ms. Blythe Crissman at (919) 681-1976 or pager (919) 970-5048.  Medical records should be faxed to (919) 668-0414 at the attention of Ms. Blythe Crissman.

Clinic hours: The Duke Comprehensive Down Syndrome Clinic is held on the first and third Thursdays of the month.

Clinic location: The clinic occurs at Lenox Baker Children's Hospital at 3000 Erwin Road, Durham NC 27710.

Other important information: An appointment in the Down syndrome clinic may be quite lengthy.  Please bring toys, books, and snacks that you and your family will need.    Please be aware that some of our evaluations such as hearing and vision occur in a different physical location on campus.  There is complimentary transportation available from Lenox Baker Children's Hospital, where the parking is free of charge.  Laboratory work is generally part of the evaluation, unless it has been completed locally in the last six months.  Please fax any labwork to (919) 668-0414 to the attention of Ms. Blythe Crissman.  Following your appointment, if there is a billing issue you wish to discuss, please contact the PRMO Customer Service at (919) 620-4555.

Please visit the Duke Down Syndrome Clinic web site for additional information.

 

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Fragile X Syndrome Clinic

Overview of Services: The Fragile X Clinic is a clinic for families diagnosed with fragile X syndrome.  Individuals affected by fragile X syndrome are seen by a team including a developmental pediatrician, clinical child psychologist, and a genetic counselor.  The clinic medical director is Dr. Ave Lachiewicz.     

 

Appointments and Contact Information: For appointments, please call 919-668-4468.   

Clinic Hours: A new patient appointment is typically 3-4 hours and a follow-up approximately 1- 2 hours.  

 

Clinic Location: The clinic is in the Child Development and Behavioral Health clinic. 

 

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Marfan/Connective Tissue Disorder Genetics Clinic

Overview of Services: The Marfan/Connective Tissue Disorders Genetics Clinic specializes in the diagnosis, management, and care of individuals with a known or suspected genetic connective tissue disorder, such as Marfan syndrome, the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, hypermobile joints, dilated aorta, among others.  We see patients of all ages, from infancy to adult.  Dr. Wechsler is both a board-certified Medical Geneticist and Cardiologist.  After the diagnosis is made, we follow our patients at least annually to coordinate their overall care and manage the genetic aspects of the disorder.  We can manage the cardiologic aspects of a connective tissue disorder for patients who do not already have a cardiologist.  Evaluations include taking a careful medical history, family history, and physical exam.  We can also schedule echocardiograms if needed.  For patients in whom a diagnosis can not be initially made, we continue to re-evaluate patients, especially since connective tissue disorders are progressive.  Identifying a patient with a connective tissue disorder has important health implications not only on that individual but also other members of the family.

Appointments and Contact Information: For appointments please call (919) 668-4000.  If you have special requests you may call (919) 668-2196 and ask to speak with Liz Heise.  

 

Clinic Hours: We see patients every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.  The clinic hours are between 1:00pm and 5:00pm.  You can anticipate your appointment will last at least an hour.  

 

Clinic Location: The Clinic is located on the 2nd floor of the McGovern-Davison Children's Heath Center.  This is the glass building attached to the main Duke Hospital.   

 

Other important information: It is very important we have copies of pertinent medical records prior to the clinic visit.  We would like copies of any genetic tests, echocardiograms, EKGs, or other records that may help in our evaluation.  In addition, please bring copies of medical records from other family members who may also have a connective tissue disorder.  In many cases it is helpful to bring family photos and family tree information to your appointment.   Many of our patients have blood drawn at their appointment for genetic testing.  You may want to check with your medical insurance regarding coverage.  Duke Clinical Labs Client Services may be able to assist you with questions at (919) 613-8400.  In most cases we are unable to tell you what tests will be ordered until we have an opportunity to meet with you.  If there is a billing issue you wish to discuss following your appointment, you can contact PRMO customer service at (919) 620-4555.