Down Syndrome (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Down Syndrome Overview
- What is Down Syndrome - (the Genetics)
- Down Syndrome Risk Factors
- Down Syndrome Symptoms (the Effects of Trisomy 21)
- Down Syndrome Characteristic Features
- Down Syndrome and Cognitive Impairment
- Medical Conditions Associated with Down Syndrome
- Adults with Down Syndrome
- Down Syndrome Treatment
- Outlook
- Down Syndrome Screening
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Author and Editor
Medical Conditions Associated with Down Syndrome
- Up to 50% of people with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect. The atrioventricular septal defect is the most common heart defect found in newborns
with Down syndrome. Other heart defects include
ventricular septal defect,
atrial septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, and patent ductus arteriosus. Some
newborns with these types of heart defects will require surgery shortly after
birth.
- Gastrointestinal abnormalities also occur quite frequently in Down syndrome.
Esophageal atresia,
tracheoesophageal fistula, duodenal atresia or stenosis,
Hirschsprung disease, and
imperforate anus are some of the more common
conditions. Approximately 5% to 15% of people with Down syndrome develop
celiac
disease. Surgery may be necessary for some of these gastrointestinal conditions.
- Children with Down syndrome are also at an increased risk of developing acute
lymphoblastic leukemia,
myeloid leukemia, and
testicular cancer; however, the
risk of developing most solid tumors is reduced in individuals with Down
syndrome.
- Other medical conditions include, infantile spasms,
frequent ear infections
(otitis media), hearing loss, visual impairment,
sleep apnea, underactive
thyroid (hypothyroidism), cervical spine-instability,
constipation,
obesity,
seizures,
dementia, and early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
- Coexisting psychiatric and behavior disorders occur in about 18% to 38% of individuals with Down syndrome. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, stereotypical movement disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression.
Next: Adults with Down Syndrome »
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In 1866, Down described clinical characteristics of the syndrome that now bears his name.
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