This document discusses several genetic and developmental disorders:
- Genetic disorders can be caused by mutations in single or multiple genes or chromosomal abnormalities. Developmental disorders originate in childhood and involve impairments in different areas.
- Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome 21, leading to physical and developmental problems. It has a range of effects and is lifelong, though treatment can help people with Down syndrome live full lives.
- Other disorders mentioned include scoliosis, torticollis, Erb's Palsy, and osteogenesis imperfecta, which is also known as brittle bone disease.
2. A genetic disorder is a health problem caused by one or more abnormalities
in the genome. It can be caused by a mutation in a single gene (monogenic)
or multiple genes (polygenic) or by a chromosomal abnormality.
3. Developmental disorders comprise a group of psychiatric conditions
originating in childhood that involve serious impairment in different areas.
There are several ways of using this term.[1] The most narrow concept is used
in the category "Specific Disorders of Psychological Development" in the ICD-
10.[1] These disorders comprise developmental language disorder, learning
disorders, motor disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.[2] In broader
definitions ADHD is included, and the term used is neurodevelopmental
disorders.[1] Yet others include antisocial behavior and schizophrenia that
begins in childhood and continues through life.[1] However, these two latter
conditions are not as stable as the other developmental disorders, and there
is not the same evidence of a shared genetic liability.[1]
Developmental disorders are present from early life onward. Most improve as
the child grows older, but some entail impairments that continue throughout
life.
4. What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes mild to serious physical and
developmental problems.
People with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome.
Chromosomes are bundles of genes, and your body relies on having just the
right number of them. With Down syndrome, this extra chromosome leads to
a range of issues that affect you both mentally and physically.
Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Although it can’t be cured, doctors
know more about it now than ever. If your child has it, getting the right care
early on can make a big difference in helping them live a full and meaningful
life.
5. Down syndrome can have many effects, and it’s different for each person.
Some will grow up to live almost entirely on their own, while others will need
more help taking care of themselves.
Mental abilities vary, but most people with Down syndrome have mild to
moderate issues with thinking, reasoning, and understanding. They’ll learn
and pick up new skills their whole lives, but they may take longer to reach
important goals like walking, talking, and developing social skills.
6. People with Down syndrome tend to have certain physical features in common. These may include:
Eyes that slant up at the outer corner
Small ears
Flat noses
Protruding tongue
Tiny white spots in the colored part of the eyes
Short neck
Small hands and feet
Short stature
Loose joints
Weak muscle tone
Many people with Down syndrome don’t have any other health issues, but some do. Common
conditions include heart problems and trouble hearing and seeing.
7. Types of Down Syndrome
There are three types of Down syndrome:
Trisomy 21. This is by far the most common type, where every cell in the
body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.
Translocation Down syndrome. In this type, each cell has part of an extra
chromosome 21, or an entirely extra one. But it’s attached to another
chromosome instead of being on its own.
Mosaic Down syndrome. This is the rarest type, where only some cells have
an extra chromosome 21.
8. Down Syndrome Diagnosis
A doctor may suspect Down syndrome in a newborn based on the baby’s
appearance. That can be confirmed by a blood test called a karyotype test
that lines up the chromosomes and will show if there’s an extra chromosome
21
9. Down Syndrome Screening in Pregnancy
Routine tests done during pregnancy can check if it’s likely your baby has
Down syndrome. If those results are positive, or if you’re at high risk, you
may choose to have additional, more invasive tests to be certain.
10. In the first trimester, you may have:
Blood tests. Your doctor will measure the levels of a protein called PAPP-A
and a hormone called hCG in your blood. Anything out of the normal range
could mean a problem with the baby. If you're at high risk for Down syndrome,
they may also look for DNA from the baby in your blood, which they can
examine for chromosome abnormalities.
Ultrasound. Your doctor will look at a picture of your baby and measure the
folds of tissue at the back of their neck. Babies with Down syndrome tend to
have extra fluid there.
11. In the second trimester, you may have:
Blood tests. Either a triple or quad-screen test measures other substances in your blood, including
the protein AFP and the hormone estriol. Those levels, combined with the results from the first
trimester tests, give your doctor a good estimate of the chances your baby has Down syndrome.
Ultrasound. When your baby is more developed, an enhanced ultrasound can show some of the
physical features of Down syndrome.
Other kinds of tests can diagnose Down syndrome before your baby is born by checking a sample of
their DNA for an extra chromosome 21:
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This can be done during the first trimester, using cells taken from
the placenta.
Amniocentesis. Fluid is taken from the amniotic sac surrounding the baby, usually during the second
trimester.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS). This is also done in the second trimester using
blood removed from the umbilical cord.
12. Down Syndrome Treatments
There’s no specific treatment for Down syndrome. But there is a wide range
of physical and developmental therapies designed to help people with Down
syndrome reach their full potential. The earlier you start them, the better.
Each child will have different needs. Yours may benefit from:
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Specialized education services
Social and recreation activities
Programs that offer job training and teach self-care skills
You’ll also work closely with your child’s doctor to watch for and manage any
health problems associated with the condition.
13. Down Syndrome Complications
Babies with Down syndrome may be born with other physical problems, and they’re at higher risk for
certain health issues later in life.
Possible complications of Down syndrome include:
Heart problems. About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect that may
need surgery.
Hearing and vision problems, including crossed eyes and cataracts
Gastrointestinal disorders, like blockages, reflux, and celiac disease
Obesity
Breathing issues, including sleep apnea, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension
Underactive thyroid
Seizures
Childhood leukemia
Early-onset dementia
14. scliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. Everyone has normal curves in the
spine, and when looked at from behind, the spine appears straight. However,
children and teens with scoliosis have an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped
curve of the spine.
15.
16. torticullus
Torticollis is a condition where your baby's neck muscles cause their head to
twist and tilt to one side. It may look like your infant's neck is rotated at an
odd angle. The top of their head may be tilted to one side and their chin may
be tilted to the other side. Torticollis is also called wryneck.
17.
18. What is Erb's Palsy? Erb's palsy is a condition characterized by arm weakness
and loss of motion. It can occur in both infants and adults. It's typically
caused by a physical injury during newborn delivery or by traumatic force
downward on the upper arm and shoulder, damaging the brachial plexus.
19.
20. osteogenesis imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic or heritable disease in which bones
fracture (break) easily, often with no obvious cause or minimal injury. OI is
also known as brittle bone disease, and the symptoms can range from mild
with only a few fractures to severe with many medical complications.