Are chromosomal genetic disorders life-threatening?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Some chromosomal disorders are life-threatening. Certain chromosomal changes can cause miscarriages and infant death. Other chromosomal disorders can create heart defects and serious health problems that are in turn life threatening.

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National Down Syndrome Society

Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, although older women have an increa...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Some chromosomal disorders are more common than others. Scientists estimate that approximately one...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Chromosomal disorders are conditions that last a lifetime. These disorders are created during feta...

National Down Syndrome Society

A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward s...

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Chromosomal Disorders

The human body has 23 pairs of chromosomes: 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes. This gives humans 46 chromosomes in total. Every chromosome contains hundreds to thousands of your genes. Genes provide instructions for building proteins that help bodies grow and function properly. Chromosomal genetic disorders occur when chromosomes are partially or completely missing, altered or duplicated. An example of a chromosomal genetic disorder is Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the result of an extra, third copy of chromosome 21 being present in a person. This extra chromosome results in extra protein production and upsets the body’s balanced systems. During pregnancy chromosomal abnormalities can cause the death of an embryo or fetus. Chromosomal disorders can result in mental retardation or other developmental problems. Older pregnant women have a higher risk of passing on chromosomal genetic disorders.

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