Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21.
It's a genetic defect in the baby.
Parents always want to know what is the prognosis
of Down syndrome, and every Down syndrome
baby has a different course.
There are some common features to Down syndrome.
The babies usually have wonderful personalities,
and they're very warm as children.
Down syndrome babies have typical facial features.
They can have epicanthal folds over their
eyes.
They can have a large tongue.
They often have a simian crease along their
hands.
They can have an extra wide space between
their toes.
Some Down syndrome babies have clinodactyly,
which is a curvature of the fifth digit on
each finger, and sometimes on the toes as
well.
Not all Down syndrome babies have the same
findings.
More importantly than the physical features
are the heart defects.
Many Down syndrome babies have congenital
heart defects.
The most common one is a VSD, ventricular
septal defect.
And another one that is very common in Down
syndrome is an endocardio cushion defect.
It is imperative, if you have a baby with
Down syndrome, that you have a cardiology
visit once a year.
Babies with Down syndrome are also at increased
risk for leukemias.
Your pediatrician will be very well-versed
in taking care of a Down syndrome baby and
making sure that your baby is kept up to date
as far as screenings for leukemia, heart defects,
and other problems including low tone and
physical therapy that the baby might need
throughout their life.
