What it means
The most common chromosome condition, also called trisomy 21, named after John Langdon Down, the English doctor who described it. It causes some degree of intellectual disability and typical features such as low muscle tone, upward-slanting eyes, a flat face and a single crease across the palm. Heart defects, thyroid disease, hearing and vision problems and leukemia are more common. The chance rises with the mother's age.
For the nurse
Newborns with low muscle tone may feed slowly and need help. Watch for signs of heart problems, and support early-intervention services. Screening and diagnostic tests are offered in pregnancy.
At a glance
| Spanish | síndrome de Down |
|---|---|
| Also written | trisomy 21, Down's syndrome |