Downs Syndrome
By: Megan and Brianna
Definition of Downs Syndrome
Defect of chromosome 21, causing disabilities including short stature and a broad facial profile.
How common is Down's Syndrome?
About 6,000 babies are born in the United States with Down's Syndrome per year.
What happens to cause Down's Syndrome?
It's caused by trisomy 21 and the child ends up having 3 copies of chromosomes 21 instead of only having 2 copies. It is also caused by abnormal cell division involving chromosome 21. Down's Syndrome is a recessive allele and it is a mutation also.
What they look for if they think a baby has Down's Syndrome.
-Short fifth finger that curves inward
-Widely separated first and second toes that increases skin creases.
What happens to the body?
They have a short neck, short height, slanted shaped eyes, small ears, crooked teeth, stocky legs and arms. It generally affects your face shape and body shape and size. Some possible effects on the body are irregularly shaped mouth and tongue, low muscle tone, and a nasal bridge that looks pushed in.
Medications, treatments and tests
Your doctor will only give you medications for the disease if you are in pain. There are no treatments for Down's Syndrome. There are multiple tests when going through Down's Syndrome, such as screening tests, diagnostic tests, blood tests, ultrasound [if pregnant], first trimester, and second trimester. Down's Syndrome can be diagnosed prenatally.
How common is Down's Syndrome?
Down's Syndrome is becoming more common in the United States. Newborns, children, and teenagers in 10 areas of the U.S is 30% more common over the last 24 years. Down's Syndrome isn't any more common in any race, gender, or group.