Everett+Collins

=Down Syndrome=

__ Description of the disease: __ Down syndrome (DS), also commonly known as trisomy 21, is the most common genetic disorder causing mental illness and the most frequently occurring human chromosomal syndrome. Several physical characteristics are common to individuals with Down Syndrome (DS), particularly features of the face, hands, and feet. Numerous other congenital anomalies occur with increased frequency in DS, such as endocardia cushion defects, intestinal atresia’s, and Hirsch sprung disease. A number of acquired conditions also occur with increased frequency, such as hypothyroidism, hearing impairment, and celiac disease.

__ Initial symptoms of Down syndrome: __ There are more than 50 features of Down syndrome. But not every person with Down syndrome has all the same features or health problems. Some features and problems are common.

Body shape and size •Short stature (height). A child often grows slowly and is shorter than average as an adult.

•Weak muscles throughout the body. Weak belly muscles also make the stick out. •A short, wide neck. The neck may have excess fat and. •Short, stocky arms and legs. Some children also have a wide space between the big toe and second toe.

Face shape and features •Slanted eyes. Tissue may also build up on the colored part of the eye (iris). But the child's vision is not affected by this buildup. •A nasal bridge that looks pushed in. The nasal bridge is the flat area between the nose and eyes. •Small ears. And they may be set low on the head. •Irregularly shaped mouth and tounge. The child's tongue may partly stick out. The roof of the mouth (palate) may be narrow and high with a downward curve. •Irregular and Crooked teeth. Teeth often come in late and not in the same order those other children’s teeth come in.

Health problems Health problems related to Down syndrome, such as: •Intellectual disability. Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate cognitive disability.1 - Heart defects. About half of the children who have Down syndrome are born with a heart defect. •Hypothyroidism, celiac disease and eye conditions. •Respiratory infections, hearing problems, or dental problems. •Depression or behavior problems associated with ADHA or autism.

__ Common treatments: __ Medications can be used to treat certain conditions that occur in people with Down syndrome. For example, if a person with Down syndrome has a seizure disorder, they would benefit from taking anti-seizure medications. Children with Down syndrome often have hearing and vision problems. In this case they could go and see an audiologist and an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Some side effects of these treatments could possibly permeate the children with the disease.

__ Prevention of Down syndrome: __ Once a child is born with it they really can get rid of the disease. You can only take medication that might make the victim of it less vulnerable.

__ What chromosome is it associated with: __ When a newborn is born with an extra 21 chromosome, its creates a malfunction giving them a total of 47 chromosomes. It creates a structural modification to them.

__ How is it inherited: __ Most cases of Down syndrome are not inherited. When the condition is caused by trisomy 21, the inheritance occurs as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells in a parent.

__ Populations with predispositions to Down syndrome: __ Hispanic families are more likely to have a child born with Down syndrome, because of their ethnicity.



Work cited: [|http://children.webmd.com/tc/down-syndrome-references#ux1068] [] []