Down syndrome

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Persons with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. Although many children have physical and mental limitations, they can live independent and productive lives well into adulthood.

About half of children with Down syndrome are born with heart problems, including atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and endocardial cushion defects. Severe heart problems may lead to early death.

Persons with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain types of leukemia, which can also cause early death.

The level of mental retardation varies from patient to patient, but is usually moderate. Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for dementia.

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• Airway blockage during sleep
• Compression injury of the spinal cord
• Endocarditis
• Eye problems
• Frequent ear infections and increased risk of other infections
• Hearing loss
• Heart problems
• Gastrointestinal blockage
• Weakness of the back bones at the top of the neck

A health care provider should be consulted to determine if the child needs special education and training. It is important for the child to have regular check ups with his or her doctor.

Review Date: 10/18/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).