Patient's question:
My best friend's son was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after his birth. Their whole family has been worried sick about him, and I'm also very anxious for them. I'd like to ask, what is Down syndrome, and can this condition be treated?Doctor's answer:
Down syndrome can be prevented during pregnancy, but this disease cannot be treated. Down syndrome is also known as congenital idiocy. Children with this condition have distinctive physical features and also suffer from intellectual disability, which is caused by an extra chromosome 21. Performing the T18-T21 screening between 18-20 weeks of pregnancy is actually for the prevention of this disease. Once a DNA test detects an abnormality in chromosome 1, early termination should be carried out as soon as possible.