Down Syndrome

Disability and inheritance

Cells and chromosomes

Chromosomes:

Tiny particles found inside the nucleus of the cell and carry the genetic material (DNA) responsible for the traits.

It is usually found in pairs of tiny short strands. The number and shape of chromosomes differ in the cells of different types of organisms; each species has its own chromosome number.

There are two types of chromosomes:

1 – Otosomes: They are similar in male and female cells and carry the genes of traits found in both (skin color – height – eye color – ….. etc.)

2 – Sex chromosomes: They differ in males from females (in number or shape) and carry sex-determining genes.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects both males and females in which a child is born with 47 chromosomes, not 46 (Due to the presence of a third copy of chromosome number 21 (autologous chromosome)

And this extra chromosome causes a delay in brain development and some physical differences. This syndrome may occur to any category of people regardless of race, gender, social or economic status. Statistics indicate that out of every 1000 natural births, a child is born with Down syndrome. The possibility of birth of a baby with Down syndrome is more likely to rise with the advancing age of the mother, as about a third of Down syndrome children’s mothers are over 37 years old.

Studies have shown that a mother who gives birth to a child with Down syndrome is more likely to have another child with the same syndrome. Therefore, mothers over 35 years old are advised to do special tests during pregnancy, such as making amniocentesis to check the child’s chromosomes.

Reason for the name: This name is attributed to the British scientist John Langdon Down, who discovered it in 1866 and described it accurately. This group was called the Mongolians after the Republic of Mongolia because of the relative similarity in some external characteristics.

The Mongolians were called Mongolians until 1967, when the disease was discovered as chromosomal error and that it had nothing to do with the yellow race, this condition was called Down syndrome.

Down syndrome features:

Down syndrome symptoms vary from one child to another, but there are general features that appear in children of this syndrome, including:

-Eyes slanting upwards with skin folds at the inner corner of the eyelids-Extra skin at the nape of the neck-The palm has one wrinkle-Small ear (smaller than medium size)-small mouth-Small round face and chubby cheeks-flat occiput-Big tongue sticking out -flat nose -Delayed mental and physical development-Flexibility of limbs-short stature

Complications

Many children with Down syndrome face health complications during their different life stages as infants, children and adults. Among the complications they may experience is one or more of the following:

1 – Problems with the heart, intestines, eyes and hearing 2 – Frequent ear infections

3 – Sleep apnea 4 – Hypothyroidism

5 – Instability of the neck joints 6 – Weak immunity

 7 – Acute leukemia. 8 – More likely to be obese.

As for adults, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and arteriosclerosis at a relatively young age is high.

In general, children with Down syndrome

They have distinct physical characteristics and slow mental development.

They may suffer complications including heart defects, eye and ear problems.

Children with Down syndrome need regular medical examinations.

There is a chance for many children with Down syndrome to grow up and lead happy, fulfilling lives….but how?

Wait for the next article.