Down's SyndromeWhile some people with Down's syndrome are of normal intelligence, there is a high incidence of learning difficulties. There are pre-natal tests available to detect the presence of Down's syndrome in a foetus, including amniocentesis (with drawing a sample of the fluid, called amniotic fluid from around the foetus and culturing cells so that the chromosomes can be examined), chorionic villus sampling (which involves taking a biopsy from the placental tissue, which is partly made up the foetal cells). There is a blood test which measures the levels of three chemicals (and therefore called the triple test) which can be performed at about 16 weeks of pregnancy. Comparing the levels of the chemicals with the reference range for mothers of the same age may give an indication as to whether or not there is a risk of Down's syndrome, and whether amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling is necessary. In some cases ultrasound scanning of the foetus may indicate the presence of Down's syndrome. Despite the risk of learning difficulties, many with Down's syndrome lead a normal life into late adulthood. |
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