Question
What causes a baby to be born with Down Syndrome?
Answer
Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is primarily caused by chromosomal abnormalities, with most cases resulting from an extra chromosome on the 21st pair. This condition is referred to as trisomy, meaning there are three chromosomes instead of the normal two on chromosome 21. The incidence of Down Syndrome is approximately 1 in 750, and it increases with the age of the mother. Additionally, the occurrence of Down Syndrome is also related to environmental factors, such as maternal infections during pregnancy, drug abuse, or exposure to harmful chemicals. Prenatal diagnosis is an important means of preventing Down Syndrome, including methods such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling to detect chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. In recent years, serum marker screening methods have also provided a more convenient prenatal diagnostic option for pregnant women. For confirmed Down Syndrome fetuses, parents can choose to have an abortion. For individuals born with Down Syndrome, treatment mainly focuses on guidance, while medical treatments can also be used to address accompanying diseases such as respiratory infections and congenital heart disease.