Overview:
The human body is made up of cells, and in each cell, there is a genetic material stored as genes. These genes carry the codes responsible for all the inherited traits and are grouped with rod-like structures known as chromosomes. Generally, in a cell nucleus, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. When there is a partial or full extra copy of chromosome 21 in an individual, it is called Down syndrome. It is also called 'trisomy-21 syndrome' or 'mongolism'. It is caused by advanced maternal age, uterine and placental abnormalities, and chromosomal aberration.
What Are the Researches Done for Down Syndrome?
For many centuries, people with Down syndrome have been mentioned in art, literature, or science. In the nineteenth century, John Langdon Down, an English physician in 1866, published an article on a precise or accurate description of a person with Down syndrome. He was recognized as the "father" of this syndrome. Although many people described this syndrome, he was the first to describe the condition as a distinct and separate entity.
Recently, advances in medicine and science have made it easier for researchers to investigate further the characteristics of people with Down syndrome. In 1959, Jerome Lejeune, a French physician, identified Down syndrome as a chromosomal condition. Lejeune observed 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 in the cells of individuals with Down syndrome. Later it was determined that an extra partial or whole copy of chromosome 21 results in the characteristics that are associated with Down syndrome. In 2000, scientists identified and cataloged each of approximately 329 genes on chromosome 21. This advancement leads to significant accomplishments and advances in the research of Down syndrome.
What Are the Types of Down Syndrome?
1) Trisomy 21 (Nondisjunction):
In Down syndrome, usually, there is an error in cell division that is called nondisjunction. This results in the embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. Before or during conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As a result, when the embryo grows, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This type accounts for about 95% of all the cases.
2) Mosaicism:
Mosaicism (or mosaic Down syndrome) is when a mixture of two types of cells. Some have the usual 46 chromosomes, and some have 47. Those cells having cells with 47 chromosomes contain an extra chromosome 21.
In Down syndrome, mosaicism is the least common type and accounts for only about 1% of all cases. According to research, individuals with mosaic down syndrome have fewer down syndrome characteristics than those with other types of Down syndrome. However, with a wide range of abilities, broad generalization is not possible in people with Down syndrome.
3) Translocation:
This accounts for about 4% of cases of Down syndrome. Here the total number of chromosomes remains 46. However, an additional partial or full copy of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome, usually chromosome 14. The presence of extra full or partial chromosome 21 causes the characteristics of Down syndrome.
What Are the Causes of Down Syndrome?
The exact cause of the extra full or partial chromosome is still unknown. The only factor might be the maternal age that might be the chance of having a baby with Down syndrome resulting from nondisjunction or mosaicism.
There is no definite evidence indicating that parents' environmental factors or activities cause Down syndrome before or during pregnancy.
What Are the Symptoms Seen in Down Syndrome?
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Skull: There is a presence of a flat face, large anterior frontally, and open sutures. There is also the presence of brachycephalic skull-shaped with prominence and occipital flattening.
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Palpebral Fissures: These are almond-shaped with superior lateral or Mongolian obliquity.
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Eyes: Slight slanting of eyes with epicanthic folds. The eyes are widely spaced. There is also the presence of ocular hypertelorism.
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Nose: Presence of the flattened nasal bridge.
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Tongue: Increase in the size of the tongue with protrusion.
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Maxillary Sinus: The presence of hypoplasia or aplasia of the maxillary sinus.
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Teeth: The teeth are malformed; there is also the presence of hypoplasia and microdontia.
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Malocclusion: The presence of a small maxillary arch relative to the mandibular arch.
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Periodontal Disease: A severe destructive periodontal disease that does not have any other local cause in origin.
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There is sexual underdevelopment, cardiac abnormalities, and hypermobility of the joints. There is also an open mouth, frequent prognathism, and a high arched palate.
How Is Down Syndrome Diagnosed?
Prenatally:
Two kinds of tests can be performed before a baby is born; screening tests and diagnostic tests.
Screening Tests: These tests do not reveal whether the fetus has Down syndrome; they only provide a probability. These tests involve a blood test and an ultrasound (sonogram).
Diagnostic Tests: These tests provide a definitive diagnosis with almost 100% accuracy. This involves chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. These procedures carry up to a 1% risk of causing a spontaneous termination, that is, miscarriage. Amniocentesis is generally performed in the second trimester of pregnancy between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, CVS is performed in the first trimester between 9 and 14 weeks.
At birth:
It is identified by the presence of certain physical traits: an upward slant of the eyes, a single deep crease around the palm of the hand, a slightly flattened facial profile, and low muscle tone. Since these features may be present in babies without Down syndrome, a chromosomal analysis known as karyotype is done to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is Down Syndrome Managed?
As of now, there is no specific treatment for this syndrome, and many of the patients died during the first year of life.
What Is the Impact of Down Syndrome on Society?
Nowadays, individuals with Down syndrome are becoming more integrated into communities and organizations such as schools, health care systems, workforces, and social and recreational activities.
With recent advances in medical technology, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. More and more people are interacting with individuals with Down syndrome, increasing the need for widespread public education and acceptance.
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