OCTOBER IS DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

PRESS RELEASES   10/1/2023

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in approximately one in every 800 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like other than they are different. Down syndrome is usually cased by an error in cell division called nodisjunction. It is not known why this occurs. However, it is known that the error occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy. Two types of procedures are available to pregnant women: screening tests and diagnostic tests. The screening tests estimate the risk of the baby having Down syndrome. Diagnostic tests tell whether or not the baby actually has Down syndrome. Screening Tests At this time the most commonly used screening test is “The Triple Screen.” This is a combination of three tests that measure quantities of various substances in the blood. These tests are usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. Sonograms (ultrasounds) are usually performed in conjunction with other screenings. These can show some physical traits that are helpful in calculating the risk of Down syndrome. Screening tests do not accurately confirm the diagnosis of Down syndrome. In fact, false positives and false negatives frequently occur. Diagnostic Tests Three diagnostic tests are currently available: Amniocentesis is performed between 12 and 20 weeks gestation. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is conducted between 8 and 12 weeks. Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) is performed after 20 weeks. For more information on Down Syndrome, please visit www.nads.org Information provided by www.nads.org