Down syndrome, or Down's syndrome, is a genetic disability that is caused by an extra partial or complete chromosome which results in mental retardation and other problems. John Langdon Down, a British physician was the first to describe the condition as a distinct and separate entity.
More than 400,000 people in the U.S., approximately 1 out of every 733 live births, have Down syndrome and affects people of all ages, races and economic levelsNDSS: Information
Tests During Pregnancy
- Recommended between 11th and 14th week of pregnancyMayo Clinic: Tests and Diagnosis
- Diagnostic tests that can identify or confirm Down syndromeMayo Clinic: Tests and Diagnosis
Common Characteristics
- Flattened facial features
- Upward slanting eyes
- Small head
- Protruding tongue
- Unusually shaped ears
- Excessive flexibility
- Broad, short hands with a single crease in the palm
- Poor muscle tone
- Relatively short fingers
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on Down syndrome.
References
Fast Facts
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1866
John Langdon Down, a British physician, published a scholarly work describing the characteristics a person with the syndromeNDSS: Information
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Fact:
John Landon Down is recognized as the "father" of the syndromeNDSS: Information
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1959
Jerome Lejeune, a French physician, identified Down syndrome as a chromosomal anomalyNDSS: Information
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Fact:
Down the recognition as the "father" of the syndromeNDSS: Information
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Fact:
Down syndrome individuals have 47 chromosomes present in each cell of individuals instead of the usual 46NDSS: Information
