What are the four types of structural defects that can result in a chain of defects (sequence) by
the time of birth?
1. Malformation. Poor formation of tissue.
2. Deformation. Unusual forces acting on normal tissue/structure. (commonly environmental
forces).
3. Disruption. Breakdown of normal tissue by external factors.
4. Dysplasia. Abnormal Organization of cells in tissue.
What's a common example of Congenital Disruption? Associated defects? Mechanism of
potential Sequence?
Amniotic Band Disruption.
1. Associated defects: oligodactyly (deficiency in number of digits) or extremity amputation.
2. Disruption sequence due to secondary disruption of blood supply to developing tissues.
Defects can vary depending on where the amniotic band/blood supply disruption occurs.
What's a common example of Congenital Dysplasia? Associated defects? Potential Sequence?
Skeletal Dysplasia. Achondroplasia is the most common.
1. Associated defects: shortened limbs compared to head and trunk; microencephaly.
2. Potential Dysplasia Sequence:
- bowing of the legs.
- dental malocclusion.
- obstructive apnea.
- hearing loss.
What is the most common Congenital Abnormality of chromosomal number?
Down Syndrome; Trisomy 21.
What is the average incidence of Down Syndrome?
- In mothers aged 15-29?
- 30-34?
- 35-39?
- 40-44?
- Over 45?
1 in every 1,000 births.
- 1 in 1,500.
- 1 in 800.
- 1 in 270.
, - 1 in 100.
- 1/50.
What are the three Chromosomal Alterations seen in Down Syndrome? What are their
occurrences?
1. Nondisjunction, 94%. Event most commonly occurs in maternal meiosis phase I, resulting in
three copies of chromosome 21 (full trisomy).
2. Robertsonian Translocation, 3.3%. Most commonly involves fusion of the long arms (q) of
chromosomes 14 and 21.
- Typically younger mothers. Some evidence of
increased paternal age being a factor.
3. Mosaicism, 2.4%. One population with normal chromosome complement, and one population
with trisomy 21. Show varying severity of phenotype depending on penetrance. Usually less
severe
- Typically higher I.Q. and more complete
growth. Harder to initially diagnosis.
When is Down Syndrome most commonly Diagnosed? What are the primary diagnostic
features?
1. The newborn period.
2. Primary features are:
- Hypotonia.
- Poor Moro reflex.
- Characteristic facial appearance:
brachycephaly, flattened occiput, hypoplastic
midface, flattened nasal bridge, and large
protruding tongue.
- Loose folds in posterior neck.
- Short, broad hands with single transverse
palmar crease (Simian Crease).
- Infants tend to have normal
birthweight/length.
What are the most common visual and hearing abnormalities seen in Down Syndrome?
1. Myopia (nearsightedness) seen in 70% of cases, and speckling of the iris (Brushfield Spots).
2. Conductive hearing loss seen in 66% of cases.