Down syndrome

Down syndrome

1. Named after a medical doctor, John Langdon Down. The most occurred genetic disease in the world population; in all countries, all races

2. Who Is Affected By Down Syndrome?-1 child in every 800-1,100 births has Down Syndrome. UAE have higher rate of Down children - 1 child per 400 - 500

3. Risk factors: Older mothers – usually women of age 35 and above. Mothers who already have one child with Down Syndrome. Parents who are carriers of the genetic material for Down Syndrome – who have Down Syndrome in their family

4. Causes

   • Normally, each egg and sperm cell contains 23 chromosomes. The union of these creates 23 pairs, or 46 total chromosomes. Occasionally, an egg or sperm cell does not develop properly and contributes 24 chromosomes instead of 23. Down syndrome results if the extra chromosome is number 21. The features of Down syndrome result from having an extra chromosome 21 in each of the body’s cells.

5. A Child With Down Syndrome Look Like:1- Eyes that slant upward.2- Small ears that may fold over at the top. 3-Small mouth, making the tongue appear large.4-Small nose, with a flattened nasal bridge.5-Some may have short necks, small hands, and short.

6. General Characteristics- Life expectancy : 55 years

7. Development of children with Down Syndrome: - Children with Down syndrome can do most things that any child can do, such as walking, talking, dressing, and being toilet trained, but develop slower than other children. - Down syndrome usually results in some degree of lower intellectual ability (IQ). This varies widely. - Many will learn to read and write. - Many people with Down syndrome hold supported employment, and frequently live semi-independently.

8. Special Health Problems Associated With Down Syndrome -Heart defects occur in 30-50% of people with Down Syndrome -Visual and hearing impairments occur in more than 50%. - Higher rate of infections due to a weaker immune system - Dry mouth caused by mouth breathing - Upper respiratory infections.

9. What Extra Medical Care Should These Children Receive ? - Examination by a pediatric cardiologist (heart doctor for children) - Regular vision and hearing exams - Regular medical care

10. Effects On Speech: - Children with Down Syndrome are slower when learning to speak than learning to listen. - Some of the problems that influence speech is the large tongue, excessive salivation and (sometimes) hearing problems

11. Is There A Cure For Down Syndrome?There is no cure. It cannot be prevented Scientists do not know why problems involving chromosome 21 occur. Down syndrome is not caused by anything either of the parents did or did not do.

    • Can Down Syndrome be diagnosed before birth?- Yes, it can be diagnosed while the mother is pregnant A blood test can be done around the 16th week of pregnancy. Amniocentesis is the most reliable tests used.