The most common birth defect is when an infant is born with an extra chromosome.
Chromosomes carry genes. Genes are the body's plan for growth and development.
The extra gene affects the child's physical and cognitive (thinking) development.
Who can get it?
It can affect any infant.
Babies born to mothers who are age 35 or older are at higher risk for Down
syndrome than babies born to younger mothers.
Parents who have had one child with Down syndrome are more likely to have
another child with Down syndrome.
What are the signs? Many signs are noticeable at birth. Children with Down syndrome will have
at least some of these signs. They can include:
Low muscle tone
Small nose with a flat bridge
Upward slant to the eyes
Small ears
Deep crease along the center of the palm
Flexible joints
Small hands, short fingers
Short fifth finger
Small skin folds on the inner corners of the eyes
Extra space between the big toe and the second toe
Smaller mouth, larger tongue
Short neck
What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary between individuals. A child with Down syndrome will have
some of the following symptoms. They may be mild, moderate, or severe.
Many children with Down syndrome also have heart defects.
They are more likely to suffer from infections, respiratory problems, and
problems with the digestive system.
They are usually smaller than other children their age and may gain weight
easily.
Children with Down syndrome learn language skills, social skills, and gross
motor skills at a slower pace and later age than other children their age.
For example, while typically children learn to sit up by themselves between
5 to 9 months old, children with Down syndrome may not sit up alone until
6 to 30 months old.
They may have problems with hearing or vision, which can lead to speech
problems.
Most men with Down syndrome cannot father a child.
Some women can have a baby, although there is a 50% chance the baby will
have Down syndrome.
Is it contagious?
No. It is not contagious.
How is it treated? There is no cure, but symptoms can be treated.
Education
Children with Down syndrome can go to school.
By law, your child is guaranteed a public education that meets his special
needs.
Doctors, teachers, and other specialists and professionals will work
as a team to create an education plan for the child. Parents are also
an important part of the team.
The plan will help your child develop his skills and reach his highest
potential.
Your child may do well in a "regular" classroom. Or, his needs may be
better met in a classroom with specially trained teachers and fewer students.
Your child can begin his education program in preschool, beginning at
age 3 or even younger.
Working with a special speech doctor may help your child with language
skills.
Heart Defects
All infants born with Down syndrome should be tested for heart defects.
Take your child to a pediatric cardiologist, a doctor with special training
in treating children with heart defects.
Hearing problems should be treated right away so they do not affect
language skills.
Other problems
People with Down syndrome have a higher risk for other problems, such
as hypothyroidism, cancers, and bone
problems.
Your doctor may do special tests to see if your child has any of these
problems.
How long does it last?
A person with Down syndrome will be affected by it his whole life.
He is typically expected to live until around age 55.
Can it be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent it.
Folic acid might help reduce the chances of having a baby with Down syndrome,
although this has not been proven. Women who might get pregnant may benefit
from taking a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Doctors can sometimes test pregnant mothers to see if the baby will be born
with Down syndrome. The tests are not 100% accurate.
Quick Answers
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder.
It is caused by a birth defect.
It is more likely to affect babies born to mothers age 35 or older.
Many signs are noticeable at birth, such as low muscle tone, small nose,
short fingers, and flexible joints.
Children with Down syndrome have different degrees of mental retardation.
They reach growth and development milestones at a later age than most children.
It is not contagious.
To treat symptoms, your child should work with a team of professionals.
Doctors, parents, specialists, and education professionals should all be part
of the team.
A person with Down syndrome will be affected by it his whole life.
There is no known way to prevent it.
References
Center for Disabilities and Development. Children with Down Syndrome. University
of Iowa. 2002 (cited 2002 April 9). URL: http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/uhs/acds.cfm
March of Dimes. Down Syndrome. 2000 (cited 2002 April 9). URL: http://www.modimes.org/HealthLibrary/334_602.htm
Rutherford K. Down Syndrome. KidsHealth. 2001 August (cited 2002 April 9).
URL: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down_syndrome.html
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