Symptoms of Trisomy 21
Trisomy 21 is a disorder caused by three chromosomes 21, also known as Down syndrome. Common symptoms include mental retardation, deformed facial features, heart and digestive system abnormalities, and certain growth and development disorders.
One of the most prominent symptoms is mental retardation. Patients usually do things more slowly than their peers and have difficulty mastering basic skills such as language skills, mathematical understanding, and memory. In terms of facial features, patients with Down syndrome usually have small heads, flat faces, strabismus, and obvious flexion of the thumbs. In addition, Down syndrome also increases the risk of heart and digestive system diseases, as well as growth and development disorders such as hormone deficiencies, reduced bone density, and genital abnormalities.
Diagnosis of Trisomy 21
Diagnosing trisomy 21 usually requires analysis by Down syndrome screening or amniocentesis to check whether the fetus carries chromosome 21 with Down syndrome. If the fetus\’ condition is not good enough for these tests, cytogenetic or DNA testing will be done to determine whether Down syndrome is present.
Treatment methods for trisomy 21
Currently, there is no completely effective treatment for trisomy 21. However, treatment can relieve some symptoms and improve patients\’ quality of life.
Treatment options include speech, physical and occupational therapy, as well as surgery on the heart and digestive system. Speech therapy usually uses speech and auditory tools to help patients learn language skills and improve communication efficiency. Physical therapy focuses on muscle function, including improvement in the ability to perform certain daily tasks and movement. Occupational therapy mainly improves patients\’ disability and solves employment problems through training and work. Surgery for heart and digestive system abnormalities requires a professional medical team to provide the best medical services to the patient.
Prevention of Trisomy 21
Down syndrome is an unavoidable genetic disorder caused by three chromosomes 21. Expectant mothers can avoid birth defects throughout the fetal life by avoiding exposure to and ingestion of things that affect the health of their baby.
Other ways to prevent trisomy 21 include familial chromosomal analysis of Down syndrome-positive pedigrees before pregnancy, checking contraceptive use, screening and Down probability analysis before delivery, and adequate prenatal care to Reduce the risk of Down syndrome and any related genetic disorders.
Summary
In short, trisomy 21 is a genetic disease caused by three chromosomes 21, which can be diagnosed through methods such as Tang screening or amniocentesis. Even if a complete cure is not possible, treatments such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy can help patients reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Avoiding contact with and ingesting things that may affect your baby\’s health is one of the important ways to prevent Down syndrome.
