Down syndrome continues to be the most common chromosomal disorder. According to WHO, incidence of Down Syndrome is estimated to be around 1 in 1,000 to 1 live births worldwide. Between 1979 and 2003, the number of babies born with Down syndrome increased by about 30%. The good news is that the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increased dramatically from 10 years old in 1960 to 47 years in 2007.
Down’s syndrome is also known as trisomy 21. It is a congenital disorder caused from a chromosomal abnormality appearing in about one of every 800 to 1 in 1000 births. This syndrome occurs when one chromosome has an extra “part” and an error occurs in cell division, or an extra chromosome exists, resulting in 47 chromosomes. (Chromosome is a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.)
Usually people are born with 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. When the body produces an extra chromosome or genetic material, it alters the way the body develops. Down’s syndrome is a congenital condition (something you are born with). It affects how you grow and learn new skills (development).
You should know also that it is not caused by anything the mother did or did not do during pregnancy.
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