Log in


Forgot your password?
New user?
 
You are here: Home / Rare Disease Information / Rare Disease Database

Search Rare Diseases

Enter a disease name or synonym to search NORD's database of reports.

0-9 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Down Syndrome

Abstract

You are reading a NORD Rare Disease Report Abstract. NORD’s full collection of reports on over 1200 rare diseases is available to subscribers (click here for details). We are now also offering two full rare disease reports per day to visitors on our Web site.

NORD is very grateful to the National Down Syndrome Society for assistance in the preparation of this report.

Synonyms of Down Syndrome

  • chromosome 21, mosaic Down syndrome
  • chromosome 21, translocation Down syndrome
  • trisomy 21

Disorder Subdivisions

  • No subdivisions found.

General Discussion

Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition in which all or a portion of chromosome 21 appears three times (trisomy) rather than twice in cells of the body. In some individuals with this condition, only a percentage of cells may contain the chromosomal condition (mosaicism).

Symptoms and findings may vary greatly in range and degree, depending on the specific length and location of the duplicated (trisomic) portion of chromosome 21 as well as the percentage of cells containing the condition. However, in many individuals with this condition, such characteristics may include low muscle tone (hypotonia); a tendency to keep the mouth open with protrusion of the tongue; and distinctive facial characteristics including a short, small head (microbrachycephaly), upwardly slanting eyelid folds (palpebral fissures), a depressed nasal bridge, a small nose, and a relatively flat facial profile. Individuals with Down syndrome may also have unusually small, misshapen (dysplastic) ears; a narrow roof of the mouth (palate); vertical skin folds covering the inner corners of the eyes (epicanthal folds); dental abnormalities; and excessive skin on the back of the neck. Other characteristics include unusually short arms and legs; short fingers; and unusual skin ridge patterns (dermatoglyphics) on the fingers, palms, and toes. Individuals with Down syndrome may also have short stature, poor coordination, mild to severe intellectual disability, and hearing impairment.

In some cases, Down syndrome may also be characterized by structural malformations of the heart at birth (congenital heart defects). In addition, those with the condition may have an increased susceptibility to respiratory disease (e.g., pneumonia), other infectious diseases, and malignancies in which there is an increased proliferation of certain white blood cells (leukemia). Rarely do these conditions lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

Organizations related to Down Syndrome

The information in NORD’s Rare Disease Database is for educational purposes only. It should never be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. NORD’s reports provide a brief overview of rare diseases. For more specific information, we encourage you to contact your personal physician or the agencies listed as “Resources” on this report.

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) web site, its databases, and the contents thereof are copyrighted by NORD. No part of the NORD web site, databases, or the contents may be copied in any way, including but not limited to the following: electronically downloading, storing in a retrieval system, or redistributing for any commercial purposes without the express written permission of NORD. Permission is hereby granted to print one hard copy of the information on an individual disease for your personal use, provided that such content is in no way modified, and the credit for the source (NORD) and NORD’s copyright notice are included on the printed copy. Any other electronic reproduction or other printed versions is strictly prohibited.

0-9 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

NORD's Rare Disease Information Database is copyrighted and may not be published without the written consent of NORD.

 
Copyright ©2013 NORD - National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. All rights reserved.