Prophylaxis
Prevention of trisomy 21Morbus Down is not possible, since in 95% of cases it is not a hereditary disease, but a new combination occurs. Already in the womb the chromosomes of the fetus can be analyzed. Thus a possibly existing trisomy 21 can be determined in a risk pregnancy starting from the 35th year of life of the mother. The law permits abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Special regulations may apply to trisomy 21.
Prognosis
The medical care nowadays is very good. Therefore, people with Down syndrome, who in the past usually did not survive puberty, can now live to the age of 60 and older. For this purpose, possible severe malformations (e.g. heart defects) are detected and operated on at an early stage.
Trisomy 21, also called Down syndrome, is a maldistribution of parental chromosomes to their child. The sick person has three instead of two chromosomes of the number 21. In newborns, trisomy 21 is the most common chromosomal aberration.
Every 700th newborn child in Germany is born with this syndrome. In rare cases (approx. 5%) there is an inheritance.
Usually, chromosomal new combinations occur. This probability increases with the age of the mother. The physical characteristics of people with trisomy 21 can include a somewhat broad nose, slanting eyes, deep-set ears, a short neck and a high palate.
A so-called four-finger furrow often occurs on the hands. Heart defects and other impairments of other internal organs are also possible in Down syndrome. The reliable diagnosis of fetuses in the womb can only be made by means of chromosome analysis. The life expectancy of a person with Down’s syndrome today is about 60 years or older, as organ malformations, in particular, can be detected and treated early.
