Down Syndrome

By Jillian Kirchherr

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is the most common
chromosomal abnormality.
It occurs in 1:800 to 1000 live births.

Cause
92% to 95% of all causes of Down
Syndrome are attributable to an extra
chromosome 21.
Children born with chromosome 21
are born to parents of all ages but
greater risk for women 35 years and
older.

Intelligence
This varies from severely retarded
to low normal intelligence but is
generally within the moderate
range.

Social Development
May be 2 to 3 years beyond the mental
age, especially during early childhood.

Sensory Problems
Strabismus, Myopia ,Hyperopia,
excessive tearing, head tilt, cataracts.

Physical Disorders
Respitory infections.
Leukemia is 10 to 30 times more
frequent.
Thyroid dysfunction.

Therapy
Mega doses of vitamins and
minerals.
Surgery.
Drugs and thyroid hormones.

Prognosis
Life expectancy for a one
year old - 76% for child
with Downs, 91% without
Life expectancy for a 20
year old - 53% with, 82%
without