The total number of Down Syndrome cases in the Sultanate of Oman reached 1,117. Among them, 638 are males and 479 females, who are benefiting from programmes and services provided by the Ministry of Social Development's rehabilitation centres and private civil societies.
The statistics revealed in conjunction with the Sultanate of Oman celebration of the 'World Down Syndrome Day', which falls on March 21 every year.
This year, the celebration bears the slogan 'Active Participation and Integration into Society' to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and the valuable contributions of individuals of this category in their schools, rehabilitation centres, work, communities and public life in its many aspects.
Down Syndrome is defined as a genetic disorder, one in 700 natural births. It is one of the most common conditions caused by abnormal cell division, leading to an increase in total or partial copies of chromosome 21; therefore, the body cells contain 47 chromosomes instead of 46 chromosomes. This extra genetic material causes a change in growth, physical features and health problems that characterise Down Syndrome, causing mild to moderate intellectual disability and lifelong developmental delay.
The book 'Down Syndrome in the Sultanate of Oman: Causes, Spread and Possible Risk Factors for the Syndrome' by researcher Dr Salma al Harrasi, a Consultant Genetic Laboratories and Head of Laboratories at the National Centre for Genetic Health at the Royal Hospital, refers to the ambiguity of the real cause of the increase in chromosome 21. "However, the only factor known to be associated with Down Syndrome is the age of the pregnant mother. Studies indicate a direct proportional relationship in its occurrence with the age of the mother. The older the mother, the more likely she is to have a child with Down Syndrome. For example, if the mother is 20 years old, the incidence of this chromosomal abnormality is one case per 1,500 births. But if the mother is 35 years old, the probability is one case per 350 births. At the age of 45 years, the percentage increases to one case per 30 births. If the mother gives birth to a child with Down Syndrome, the probability of having another child with the same disease also rises to 1 per cent in addition to the mother's age," the book says.
As for the symptoms and health problems, Dr Salma mentioned that the consequences of the abnormal increase in genes in Down Syndrome are large and very different and may affect the functions of the body and its organs. The most prominent symptoms are delayed mental development, mental and cognitive impairment, speech difficulties, muscle relaxation, congenital defects in the stomach, intestines and heart, short stature, besides distinctive facial characteristics such as small eyes and ears and protrusion of the tongue.
Dr Salma indicated in one of the chapters of the book that since 2000, an increase has been observed in the percentage of Down Syndrome cases diagnosed in the Sultanate of Oman, as laboratory statistics indicate that 100 to 120 new Down Syndrome cases are diagnosed each year.
The doctor also indicated in the book, which is the first medical publication dealing in depth with cases of Down Syndrome in the Sultanate of Oman, that there is no treatment for cases of this Syndrome after its occurrence, yet, it can be prevented by avoiding pregnancy for older mothers (over 35 years). She also indicated that the family should take care of Down children by protecting them from the associated complications, as they are more susceptible than normal children to contracting some diseases.
In addition, Down Syndrome children differ in their mental abilities and their abilities to understand language, cognitive and social communication, so it is necessary to take care of them in the family and private centres for them to be rehabilitated and gradually integrated into practical life and society, bearing in mind that the default age of people with Down Syndrome may be up to 60 years old.
@zainabalnasseri
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
