Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in an extra 21st chromosome.
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.
A pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This type of Down syndrome, which accounts for 95% of cases, is called trisomy 21.
Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.
A pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This type of Down syndrome, which accounts for 95% of cases, is called trisomy 21.
Common Down syndrome effects can include:
- Thyroid problems
- Hearing problems
- Congenital heart disease
- Eye problems
- Seizure disorders
- Bone, muscle, nerve, or joint problems
- Leukemia and other cancers
- Immune system problems
- Developmental delay
- Mental retardation
- Alzheimer's disease.
Though your child was born with Down Syndrome, there is much joy and hope. The future can be bright and the parents need to be supported and equipped with information and techniques to help their child reach his full potential. With knowledge and information appropriate to their child, parents can have the joy of helping their child and achieve his full, God-given potential.