Down syndrome

A birth defect caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the genes.  People with Down Syndrome usually have mental retardation, short stature, abnormal creasing of the back of the hands, eyes that slant upwards at the corners, and a vertical fold of skin over the nasal edge of each eye.  More than one in three children also have congenital heart defects.  They may have hearing and vision problems, blockage of the intestines or other gastrointestinal disorders, short fingers and toes, and infertility in men.  There is also increased risk of leukemia and a reduced effectiveness of the immune system.  There is no treatment for Down Syndrome, but complications resulting from it can be reduced.  Medical advances, early intervention and special education help improve the lives for patients with this disorder.  The average life span for most patients has increased to over 50 years.