Review Article

CME Article: Care of the Adult Patient with Down Syndrome

Authors: Whitney Trotter Ross, MD, Martin Olsen, MD

Abstract

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, occurs in 1 of every 691 live births in the United States.1 It is by far the most common birth defect and chromosomal disorder in live-born infants.2 Despite its prevalence, there is minimal literature on the comprehensive care of adult patients with Down syndrome. Guidelines for the care of pediatric and adolescent patients with Down syndrome have been discussed more thoroughly elsewhere.3-6 Patients with Down syndrome are at risk for the same conditions as the population without Down syndrome, in addition to the health problems associated with trisomy 21.7 The most common causes of death in people with Down syndrome include Alzheimer disease-related conditions, respiratory infections, leukemia, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accidents, diabetes, and seizures.8-11

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