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New Diagnosis – Down Syndrome

What causes Down Syndrome?

The human body comprises of trillions of cells. Each cell is like a tiny factory, working consistently to produce the necessary materials for growth. And maintenance of the body. All cells contain a nucleus in which genes are stored. Genes are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes.

Usually, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes.

In people with Down Syndrome, the cells contain 47 chromosomes, with an extra copy of chromosome 21.

There are three types of Down Syndrome:

3 TYPES OF DOWN SYNDROME

Trisomy 21

A condition where the baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 in every cell. This is the most common form of Down syndrome.

Mosaicism

When a child is born with an extra chromosome in some but not all of their cells. People with mosaic Down syndrome tend to have fewer symptoms than those with trisomy 21.

Translocation

In this type of Down syndrome, children have only an extra part of chromosome 21. There are 46 total chromosomes. However, one of them has an extra piece of chromosome 21 attached.

As yet we do not know what causes the presence of an extra chromosome 21. There is a definite link with advanced maternal age for reasons yet unknown. However, many babies with Down Syndrome are born to women under the age of 35.

What are the symptoms of Down Syndrome?

At birth, babies with Down syndrome usually have certain characteristic signs, including:
  • flat facial features
  • small head and ears
  • short neck
  • bulging tongue
  • eyes that slant upward
  • atypically shaped ears
  • poor muscle tone
An infant with Down syndrome can be born an average size, but will develop more slowly than a child without the condition. People with Down syndrome usually have some degree of developmental disability, but it’s often mild to moderate. Mental and social development delays may mean that the child could have:
  • impulsive behavior
  • poor judgment
  • short attention span
  • slow learning capabilities
Medical complications often accompany Down syndrome. These may include:
  • congenital heart defects
  • hearing loss
  • poor vision
  • cataracts (clouded eyes)
  • hip problems, such as dislocations
  • leukemia
  • chronic constipation
  • sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep)
  • dementia (thought and memory problems)
  • hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
  • obesity
  • late tooth growth, causing problems with chewing
  • Alzheimer’s disease later in life
People with Down syndrome are also more prone to infection. They may struggle with respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

Children with Down syndrome often meet age-related milestones. However, they may learn more slowly than other children.

 

FACTUAL

Down Syndrome is not anyone’s fault.
It is not linked to any particular food, actions or pollution.
It occurs to all races and religions.
 
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