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. 2003 Jan;8(1):36-9.
doi: 10.1093/pch/8.1.36.

Genetic issues in the care of the adolescent patient

Lea Velsher  1
Affiliations

Genetic issues in the care of the adolescent patient

Lea Velsher. Paediatr Child Health. 2003 Jan.

Abstract
in English, French

Genetic issues are important in the primary care of adolescents. A genetic diagnosis may not be made until adolescence, when the teenager presents with the first signs or symptoms of the condition. The physician's knowledge of the natural history of a genetic disease will aid in the anticipatory guidance for teens and their parents. The physician may be called upon to advise the patient regarding hormone therapy or contraception. The paediatrician may initiate topics such as sexuality and sex education for the developmentally delayed patient. The paediatrician is also the advocate for the teenager, who must gain independence from the family in medical as well as other aspects of life. This article examines some of these issues, using cases to illustrate the genetic problems and approaches in the care of the teenaged patient.

Les questions d’ordre génétique sont importantes dans les soins de première ligne aux adolescents. Il est possible de poser un diagnostic génétique seulement à l’adolescence, à la manifestation des premiers signes ou symptômes de la pathologie. La connaissance par le médecin de l’évolution naturelle d’une maladie génétique l’aidera dans les conseils préventifs pour les adolescents et leurs parents. Le médecin peut être appelé à conseiller le patient en matière de contraception ou d’hormonothérapie. Il peut aborder des sujets comme la sexualité et l’éducation sexuelle pour le patient présentant un retard de développement. Le pédiatre est également le porte-parole de l’adolescent, qui doit acquérir de l’indépendance par rapport à sa famille, pour ce qui est des aspects médicaux tout autant que des autres aspects de sa vie. Le présent article traite de certains de ces sujets, au moyen de cas qui illustrent les troubles génétiques et les démarches dans les soins à l’adolescent.

Keywords: Adolescence; Anticipatory guidance; Developmental delay; Down syndrome; Genetics; Hemophilia A; Klinefelter syndrome; Neurofibromatosis type 1; Sexuality; Turner syndrome.

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