Down syndrome treatment and health center Ala Atlantis Dnepr

• What is Down syndrome
• Causes of Down syndrome
• Types of Down syndrome
• Genetic testing for Down syndrome in Dnipro
• Symptoms and external signs of Down syndrome
• Health complications in Down syndrome
• Development and education of children with Down syndrome
• Diagnosis of Down syndrome at Ala Atlantis Center Dnipro
• Treatment, support, and prognosis for Down syndrome

What is Down syndrome

Chromosomes are tiny structures that can be found in every cell of our body. These structures contain the genetic code of DNA that determines our natural traits and characteristics (hair and eye color, height, and much more). Each human cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 chromosomes), including one pair of sex chromosomes.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra full or partial 21st chromosome. Although Down syndrome is a genetic disorder, in most cases it is not inherited.

According to statistics, Down syndrome occurs in 1 out of 800–1000 newborns. In Ukraine, including Dnipro, children with this diagnosis are born every year.

Causes of Down syndrome

It is believed that there is no connection between the occurrence of Down syndrome and the lifestyle of parents before or during pregnancy. It is important to understand: a mother’s actions during pregnancy cannot cause Down syndrome.

However, a scientific link with maternal age has been proven:

• The risk increases significantly after age 35
• Increased risk is also observed in teenage pregnancy

That is why genetic counseling before pregnancy planning or in early stages becomes especially important.

Types of Down syndrome

The most common type is trisomy 21 (a full extra 21st chromosome). It accounts for about 95% of all cases.

Less common types include:

• Translocation — 2–3% of cases
• Mosaicism — about 2% of cases

In all forms, cells contain an excess of genetic material from chromosome 21, which leads to characteristic developmental features.

Genetic testing for Down syndrome in Dnipro

Usually, the first suspicion of Down syndrome arises during prenatal screening. If abnormalities are detected during ultrasound, the doctor refers the pregnant woman for a genetic test and consultation with a genetic specialist.

At Ala Atlantis Medical Center Dnipro you can undergo:

• Modern genetic tests for Down syndrome
• Consultation with a geneticist
• Comprehensive prenatal examination

Symptoms and external signs of Down syndrome

Children with Down syndrome often have the following features:

• Flat facial profile
• Almond-shaped eyes with an upward slant
• Epicanthic folds
• Flat nasal bridge
• Protruding tongue
• Small ears
• Single transverse palmar crease
• Short limbs and fingers
• Small head and shorter height

Important: despite these features, children with Down syndrome resemble their parents and have a unique personality.

Health complications in Down syndrome

Children with Down syndrome may have additional health issues:

• Congenital heart defects (more than 40% of cases)
• Intestinal disorders (atresia requiring surgery — about 10%)
• Frequent ear infections and hearing loss
• Vision problems (cataracts, strabismus, farsightedness)
• Hypothyroidism
• Increased risk of leukemia
• Seizures

Early detection and regular monitoring help successfully manage most of these conditions.

Development and education of children with Down syndrome

Most children with Down syndrome experience delays in psychomotor and speech development. The level of intellectual disability ranges from mild to moderate (rarely severe).

With regular sessions with speech therapists, special educators, and physiotherapists, children with Down syndrome achieve significant progress:

• learn to walk, speak, and read
• develop daily living skills
• reveal talents and abilities

Good medical support and early intervention significantly improve quality of life and independence.

Diagnosis of Down syndrome at Ala Atlantis Center Dnipro

Down syndrome is usually confirmed after birth using karyotyping (chromosome analysis from a blood sample).

At Ala Atlantis Medical Center Dnipro, the following are performed:

• Postnatal diagnostics (karyotype)
• Prenatal diagnostics (amniocentesis, CVS)
• Genetic counseling
• Comprehensive family support after diagnosis

The waiting period for results can be very difficult for parents. Specialists help families cope with emotions (shock, sadness, guilt) and quickly begin necessary support.

Treatment, support, and prognosis for Down syndrome

Down syndrome cannot be fully cured, as it is a genetic condition. However, modern medicine and comprehensive rehabilitation allow people with Down syndrome to live active and fulfilling lives.

Today, many adults with Down syndrome:

• work
• live semi-independently or independently
• actively participate in society

Early intervention (medical care, rehabilitation, education) is the key success factor.

At Ala Atlantis Medical Center Dnipro, families receive comprehensive support — from accurate diagnosis and genetic counseling to recommendations for further development and rehabilitation of the child.