The life expectancy of children with Down syndrome fluctuates over a wide range; some may die shortly after birth, and some may live into their forties or fifties or beyond.
Down syndrome, known as trisomy 21 or congenital stupidity, is a congenital disorder caused by an extra chromosome 21 and is considered to be related to heredity and gene mutation. It can be characterized by special facial features, mental retardation and developmental delays.
Children are often associated with other malformations such as congenital heart disease, hypothyroidism, dementia, gastrointestinal obstruction and other complications, immunocompromised and susceptible to various infections. If severe malformations are present, serious infections occur, and timely intervention is not provided, severe cases should be likely to die soon after birth. Some can live into their forties or fifties and beyond with aggressive intervention.
Children with Down syndrome should be treated with early intervention to prolong life and improve survival.