What Is Down Syndrome? - Voyager Home Health Care

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Down syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome, specifically an extra copy of chromosome 21. The condition was discovered in the late nineteenth century by Langdon Down, an English physician, who first published an accurate description of a person with Down syndrome. Although characteristics of the condition were previously recognized, it was Down who distinguished this condition from others and paved the path to new discoveries. To this day, Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition in the United States with about 6,000 reported cases each year. Although it is known that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome, why this occurs is still unknown.

There are three different types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21, Translocation Down syndrome, and Mosaic Down syndrome. Trisomy 21 is the most common type of Down syndrome accounting for about 95% of cases. In this type, each cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 as opposed to the typical two copies. Translocation Down syndrome accounts for about 3% of cases and occurs when either an extra part or whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but it is attached or “translated” to a different chromosome rather than standing alone as a separate chromosome 21. Mosaic Down syndrome is the rarest of the three and accounts for about 2% of cases. As its name implies, Mosaic Down syndrome is when some of a person’s cells have three copies of chromosome 21 while others have two. People with Mosaic Down syndrome may have similar features as others with the condition. However, they may have fewer features due to some or many of their cells having the typical number of chromosomes.

Down syndrome manifests differently in each individual. Some may experience mild or severe health issues, while others may be in good health. Although symptoms vary for each person, some of the most common features are:

- - Flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose
  - Small head
  - Short neck
  - Small ears
  - Protruding tongue
  - Upward slanting eyelids
  - Poor muscle tone or loose joints
  - Small hands and feet
  - A single line across the palm of the hand
  - Short height as a child and as an adult

As these features can sometimes show in babies without Down syndrome, a chromosomal analysis called a karyotype can be performed to confirm a diagnosis. For this analysis, a doctor collects a blood sample to examine a baby’s cells. A photograph is then captured of the chromosomes which are grouped by size, number, and shape. The doctor is then able to examine the karyotype to determine a diagnosis. As an alternative, another genetic test called Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can also confirm a diagnosis in a shorter amount of time. This test allows researchers to visualize and map the genetic material in a person’s cells, including specific genes or portions of genes.

- - Flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose
  - Small head
  - Short neck
  - Small ears
  - Protruding tongue
  - Upward slanting eyelids
  - Poor muscle tone or loose joints
  - Small hands and feet
  - A single line across the palm of the hand
  - Short height as a child and as an adult

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Meet Our Partner - Autism Vision of Colorado

The Best IHSS Provider

Voyager Home Health Care is known for being the highest paying IHSS & CHCBS provider in Colorado.

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