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$Title{I Thought You Would Like to Know: Down Syndrome}
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Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


I THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:  Down Syndrome


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     In a recent column I discussed the life expectancy of Down Syndrome
patients and used statistics taken from a recently published item in one of
the many medical journals I review each month.  In my mailbag today, I
received a long letter from Kathleen Marafino, President of the Nation Down
Syndrome Congress, directing my attention to scientific study conducted by
Patricia A. Baird, M.D. and Adele D. Sadovnick, Ph.  D. in the Province of
British Columbia, Canada which found that "life expectancy in Down Syndrome is
much better in recent years than in the early decades of this century".
According to the findings published in the Journal of Pediatrics, overall
survival in individuals with Down Syndrome was found to be 70.98% at age 30.
Although the statistics do not provide percentages past age 30, they certainly
are more encouraging than those I cited.  And that is all to the good, for my
personal preference is always for "good news" statistics.  Since many of my
readers may have a real need for more information about Down Syndrome, I
recommend that they contact the National Down Syndrome Congress, 1800 Dempster
Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068-1196 (toll free telephone number 1-800-232 NDSC)
and request their materials.  Of particular note is their informative patient
education booklet "Down Syndrome" which discusses many aspects of this
condition and provides explanations about chromosome abnormality and the
causes of Down Syndrome.  The annual membership fee of the Congress is but $
15.00 and provides many benefits including free access to their national
clearinghouse.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
