Were you looking for information about Down Syndrome? Trisomy21 is a term that may be used when looking for information on Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of mild to moderate mental retardation and associated medical problems. It is caused by an additional chromosome (trisomy 21) and is usually the result of a random event that occurs during the formation of reproductive cells. Since Down syndrome is a problem with the chromosomes, there are no cures. Therefore, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and medical conditions that result because of the disorder. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased substantially over the years.
(Click Down Syndrome to learn about the risk factors for this condition, to find out how it is diagnosed, and for a list of related medical problems. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
