Also Known As: 21+, Trisomy 21, Langdom Down Syndrome

Abstract:
Down Syndrome (DS) is one of the most common known causes of mental retardation. It is most often due to an extra chromosome 21 resulting in Trisomy 21. In younger mothers, a DS child may be due to a chromosomal defect that may be inherited from either parent. The older the mother, the more likely she is to have a child with a chromosomal trisomy such as trisomy 21, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13 and others. For this reason women approaching 35 years of age should know that planning a pregnancy may also call for prenatal studies.

Early care of DS children is most important to help them develop. After having a DS child, even if it is the only occurance in the family, the risk of having another is increased. For these reasons our team recommends:

• All babies with DS should have a chromosome study
• Consultation with a clinical geneticist. A clinical geneticist along with the pediatrician implement anticipatory health care strategies to optimize the development and health of a DS child.
• Prenatal studies of pregnancies subsequent to the birth of a DS child.