Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of mental retardation, with an incidence of 1 in 733 live births. The paucity of clinical researchers trained in the subspecialty of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics has meant that topics critical to improving the lives of children with DS have not received sufficient attention. For example, nearly half of all children with DS are born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), the most common of which is an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). As these children (DS + AVSD) increasingly survive cardiac surgery, characterization of their early developmental trajectories is crucial for designing early interventions to maximize individual potential. As a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with DS, my long-term goal for this research is to optimize the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with DS + AVSD and, eventually, with other DS-associated medical conditions. My Research Application builds upon results from my KL2-supported Masters of Science in Clinical Research, which revealed global developmental deficits in DS + AVSD. My Career Development Plan combines didactic coursework, tutorials, and hands-on training in psychology and psychometrics, genetics, cardiology, biostatistics, and health organization management to support my Research Plan.
My Research Aims are 1) to determine the early developmental trajectories of children with DS + AVSD compared to age-matched DS without CHD and 2) to identify patient-related and perioperative factors and 3) home environmental variables (socioeconomic, parental stress, parent-child interactions) that influence developmental outcomes in DS + AVSD. To accomplish these Aims, developmental trajectories will be measured at 3, 12, and 24 months of age. The research and clinical capabilities of the Emory Down Syndrome Center are cornerstones of my Research Plan. Our DS clinic serves individuals from birth through early childhood. Since 71% of new patients are under 6 months of age, we are well positioned to recruit newborns with DS, including those with AVSD. My Research Plan dovetails seamlessly into the research arm of the Center, with its infrastructure built on 18 years of population-based DS research. My research will provide important information and suggest potential interventions to improve the lives of children with DS.
| Visootsak, Jeannie; Kidd, Sharon A; Anderson, Tovi et al. (2016) Importance of a specialty clinic for individuals with fragile X syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 170:3144-3149 |
| Visootsak, Jeannie; Huddleston, Lillie; Buterbaugh, Allison et al. (2016) Influence of CHDs on psycho-social and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with Down syndrome. Cardiol Young 26:250-6 |
| Tapp, Sarah; Anderson, Tovi; Visootsak, Jeannie (2015) Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with Down syndrome and infantile spasms. J Pediatr Neurol 13:74-77 |
| Bassell, Julia L; Phan, Han; Leu, Roberta et al. (2015) Sleep profiles in children with Down syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 167A:1830-5 |
| Buterbaugh, Allison; Visootsak, Jeannie (2014) Implications of delayed diagnosis of infantile spasm in a child with Down syndrome. J Pediatr Neurol 12:105-107 |
| Smith, Meagan; Lewis, Kimberly M; Holmes, Alexandrea et al. (2014) A Case of False Negative NIPT for Down Syndrome-Lessons Learned. Case Rep Genet 2014:823504 |
| Visootsak, Jeannie; Hipp, Heather; Clark, Heather et al. (2014) Climbing the branches of a family tree: diagnosis of fragile X syndrome. J Pediatr 164:1292-5 |
| Visootsak, Jeannie; Ayari, Natalie; Howell, Susan et al. (2013) Timing of diagnosis of 47,XXY and 48,XXYY: a survey of parent experiences. Am J Med Genet A 161A:268-72 |
| Buterbaugh, Allison; Mroczkowski, Henry J; Shankar, Suma P et al. (2013) Contribution of Family History in Co-occurring Down Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Ann Paediatr Rheumatol 2:165-167 |
| Visootsak, J; Hess, B; Bakeman, R et al. (2013) Effect of congenital heart defects on language development in toddlers with Down syndrome. J Intellect Disabil Res 57:887-92 |
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