Down Syndrome
Often associated with mental retardation, Down syndrome is a condition occurring in 1 out of 800 live births. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at Down syndrome, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Causes of Down Syndrome
Most cases of Down syndrome are caused by trisomy 21. As this eMedTV page explains, this means that each cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two copies. This article looks at the causes of Down syndrome.
Treatment for Down Syndrome
Regular checkups, medications, surgery, and counseling are all part of treatment for Down syndrome. This eMedTV Web segment describes these treatment options in detail, as well as conditions that may result from the disorder, such as cataracts.
Learn About Down Syndrome Symptoms
Common symptoms of Down syndrome include poor muscle tone, a short neck, and a flat facial profile. This eMedTV page lists other characteristics of Down syndrome, as well as symptoms of conditions associated with this developmental disorder.
Down Syndrome Effects
Common Down syndrome effects include mental retardation, thyroid problems, and eye problems. This eMedTV article discusses these and other possible effects of Down syndrome, such as hearing problems and congenital heart disease.
Children With Down Syndrome
Down syndrome can result in certain medical or developmental issues in children. This eMedTV article describes these issues in detail and explores the value of early intervention for children with Down syndrome.
Cures for Down Syndrome
There are no cures for Down syndrome because the condition begins in the chromosomes. The information in this eMedTV page outlines current research investigating cures for Down syndrome, as well as more effective interventions and treatment options.
Down Syndrome Babies
Hypotonia (poor muscle tone) is often present in Down syndrome babies and can cause problems with feeding. This eMedTV segment explains some of the other more common health problems faced by these babies and offers sources of help.
Adults With Down Syndrome
This eMedTV page explores the needs of people with Down syndrome as they grow older, and addresses challenges they face in the workplace. This page covers Down syndrome in adults, explaining how the right assistance can lead to a longer and richer life.
Down Syndrome Prognosis
In most cases, a person's Down syndrome prognosis is favorable, with patients living into their 50s. As this eMedTV article explains, however, various factors can affect a Down syndrome prognosis, such as heart or joint problems.
Down Syndrome Research
This eMedTV Web page discusses current areas of Down syndrome research. For example, research is being conducted on new prenatal diagnostic techniques and medical treatments using amino acid supplements for children with the disorder.
Translocation and Down Syndrome
As this eMedTV page explains, when material from one chromosome 21 is stuck onto another chromosome, translocation Down syndrome results. This is why people with translocation Down syndrome have 46 chromosomes, but still have the characteristics.
Down Syndrome Diagnosis
This portion of the eMedTV archives explains processes used to make a Down syndrome diagnosis. Tests used include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, as well as a chromosomal karyotype.
Mosaic Trisomy 21
Mosaic trisomy 21, as this eMedTV segment explains, is a genetic variation that can cause Down syndrome. In mosaic trisomy 21, the extra chromosome 21 is present in only some of the cells, which means that associated physical problems can vary.
Down Syndrome Risk
Down syndrome risk increases if one of the parents is a balanced translocation carrier. This section of the eMedTV library provides details about other Down syndrome risk factors, such as maternal age.
Trisomy 21 Genetics
Trisomy 21 genetics are vital to an understanding of Down syndrome. This eMedTV article explains the link between trisomy 21 genetics and Down syndrome -- namely, the condition results when three (rather than two) copies of chromosome 21 are present.
