A Few Facts

Since it is Down syndrome Awareness month, I figured I'd better do a few blog posts with some facts about Down syndrome. Here's a couple to start with.

What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in approximately one in every 800 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.

The Cause  

      Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction. It is not known why this occurs. However, it is known that the error occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy. It has been known for some time that the incidence of Down syndrome increases with advancing maternal age. However, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

Health Issues

Many children with Down syndrome have health complications beyond the usual childhood illnesses. Approximately 40% of the children have congenital heart defects. It is very important that an echocardiogram be performed on all newborns with Down syndrome in order to identify any serious cardiac problems that might be present.

Some of the heart conditions require surgery while others only require careful monitoring.  Children with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of infection, respiratory, vision, and hearing problems as well as thyroid and other medical conditions.  However, with appropriate medical care most children with Down syndrome can lead healthy lives.  The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is 55 years, with many living into their sixties and seventies. 

And I've decided to add my own Down syndrome fact for the day.
Children with Down syndrome are SUPER CUTE!!!!

(More DS facts to be continued...)