What type of abnormality is down syndrome

This is the only form of Down syndrome that may be inherited from a parent. A rare form is called mosaic trisomy This is when an error in cell division happens after the egg is fertilized. People with this syndrome have both normal cells and some cells with an extra chromosome number This risk increases with each year of age, especially after age But younger women are more likely to have babies than older women. So most babies with Down syndrome are born to women younger than Chromosome problems such as Down syndrome can often be diagnosed before birth.

This is done by looking at cells in the amniotic fluid or from the placenta. This is a noninvasive prenatal screening. These tests are very accurate. Fetal ultrasound during pregnancy can also show the possibility of Down syndrome. Problems from Down syndrome may not be seen with ultrasound. After birth, your baby may be diagnosed with a physical exam. The healthcare provider may also take a blood sample. This is checked in a lab to find the extra chromosome. There is no cure for Down syndrome.

But a child with Down syndrome may need treatment for problems such as:. Heart defects. About half of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects.

Some defects are minor and can be treated with medicines. Others may need surgery. All babies with Down syndrome should be looked at by a pediatric cardiologist. Babies with Down syndrome should also have an echocardiogram. This is a test that looks at the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves. This exam and test should be done in the first 2 months of life. This is so that any heart defects can be treated. In these programs, special education teachers and therapists will help your child learn:.

Children with Down syndrome often meet age-related milestones. However, they may learn more slowly than other children. School is an important part of the life of a child with Down syndrome, regardless of intellectual ability. Public and private schools support people with Down syndrome and their families with integrated classrooms and special education opportunities.

Schooling allows valuable socialization and helps students with Down syndrome build important life skills. The lifespan for people with Down syndrome has improved dramatically in recent decades. Today , life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has reached an average of 50 to 60 years. In addition to larger concerns — like heart defects and leukemia — people with Down syndrome may need to be guarded from common infections such as colds. People with Down syndrome are living longer and richer lives now more than ever.

Though they can often face a unique set of challenges, they can also overcome those obstacles and thrive. Building a strong support network of experienced professionals and understanding family and friends is crucial for the success of people with Down syndrome and their families.

In Down syndrome, an extra copy of the 21st chromosome can develop, which can result in the telltale symptoms of the developmental and intellectual…. Karyotyping is a lab procedure that helps your doctor examine your chromosomes. Learn about symptoms and…. These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programs in each state.

Children with Down syndrome may also need extra help or attention in school, although many children are included in regular classes. The views of these organizations are their own and do not reflect the official position of CDC. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Birth Defects. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.

Facts about Down Syndrome. Minus Related Pages. In the remaining cases, the error occurs after fertilization, as the embryo grows. Complete trisomy In this case, an error during the formation of the egg or the sperm results in either one having an extra chromosome.

So after the egg and sperm unite, the resulting cells will also have three copies of chromosome The complete extra copy of chromosome 21 is in all of the person's cells—or a complete trisomy. Almost all Down syndrome cases result from complete trisomy Not every cell in the body is exactly the same.