Patient Handout Information
TRISOMY 21
DOWN SYNDROME
(TRISOMY 21, MONGOLISM)
About Your Diagnosis
Down syndrome is a hereditary condition that is characterized by moderate-to-severe
mental deficiency. Children with Down syndrome are born with extra genetic
material on chromosome 21. Other names for this condition are trisomy 21 and
mongolism. Dr. John Down, a British physician, first identified this condition
in 1866. Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1 of every 8001,000 live births.
Although any woman may give birth to a child with Down syndrome, the age of
the mother is a strong influencing factor. The older the mother when she becomes
pregnant, the greater the risk of having a child with Down syndrome. The risk
of a woman younger than 25 years of having a baby with Down syndrome is 1
in 1,400. At age 35, the risk increases to 1 in 350, and at age 40, the risk
is 1 in 100. There are tests that a pregnant woman may have to determine whether
her unborn baby has Down syndrome.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Children with Down syndrome are different from other children their age both
mentally and physically. They typically tend to be placid and rarely cry.
Other characteristics include a small head, various degrees of mental retardation,
delays in development, slanting eyes, and small, low-set ears. The tongue
appears too big for the mouth, and their muscles seem floppy. They have short
and broad hands with a single palmar crease. Although there is no cure for
Down syndrome, individuals with this condition can live well into their 60s.
Their life expectancy may be somewhat decreased by heart disease (found in
35% of patients with Down syndrome) and susceptibility to acute leukemia.
Regular health check-ups are important so that problems may be discovered
and treated early.
The DOs
1) Enroll your child in an early intervention program.
2) Seek information and assistance from local and national support groups.
3) Keep scheduled health care appointments.
4) Explore educational, developmental, and vocational options as your child
becomes older.
5) All parents should seek genetic counseling.
The DON'Ts
1) Don't underestimate your child's ability. Enroll your child in a multidisciplinary
teaching program.
2) Don't allow your child to be unsupervised.
When to Call Your
Doctor
1) If you have questions about your child's health or need information about
services for children with Down syndrome.
2) If your child becomes increasingly ill or confused.
3) If your child has any problems associated with medications.
For More Information
http://www.ndss.org
1998, Mosby, Inc.
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