Down Syndrome
Hope Tenpenny
What is Down Syndrome?
- genetic disorder
- caused by an extra chromosome 21
- result of an error during Meosis
Causes & Complications
Causes
- flattened facial features
- small head
- the way brain & body develop
- upward slanting eyes
- usually shaped or small ears
- see Cardiologist for heart defects
- developmental pediatrician
- Audiologist for speech impediment
- Neurologist for brain & spinal cord problems
- ear, nose, throat specialist
- physical therapist, etc.
Testing & Treatment
- Amniocentesis - takes a sample fluid from the mom's womb, done between 14-18 wks of pregnancy.
- The other test are done only if the Amniocentesis is unclear.
- Chorionic villus sampling - takes sample from the placenta, done between 9-11 wks of pregnancy.
- Cordocentisis - also known as PUBS test, takes blood from a vein in the umbilical cord and examined for chromosomal defects, done between 18-22 wks of pregnancy, has a greater change of miscarriage than the other tests.
Preventions & Life Outlook
- no cure
- lifelong disability
- some live to age 60 and on depending on heart problems
- developmental delays
- have regular medical checkups
- watch for early signs of health problems
- find support groups
Works Cited
- "Down Syndrome." Symptoms. Mayo Clinic, 19 Apr. 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.
- "Down Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment - from WebMD." WebMD. WebMD, 9 Sept. 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.