Patient's question:
I am pregnant and need to go for regular prenatal check-ups. I need to do a screening for Down syndrome now. What is Down syndrome?Doctor's answer:
Down syndrome is also known as 21-trisomy syndrome, congenital idiocy, or lingual dementia. Abbreviation: DS. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disease in humans and the first chromosomal disease confirmed in humans. It is caused by an extra chromosome 21 in the formation of gametes (reproductive cells) or in the fertilized egg (about 24 hours after fertilization). Regardless of nationality, race, or gender, patients have very similar facial features with a special dull expression; mental retardation and slow growth are the most prominent and severe manifestations of Down syndrome.