Is turner syndrome like down syndrome?

As humans, our genetic composition is diverse and varied. We have different genes that are responsible for different traits and characteristics about us, such as eye color or height. However, sometimes changes occur in these genes which can result in certain disorders or syndromes. Two of the most common ones are Turner syndrome and Down syndrome (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia on Unsplash).

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at both conditions to determine if there are any similarities between them.

What is Turner Syndrome?

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects only females (Table 1). Individuals with Turner syndrome usually have one missing or incomplete X chromosome which leads to several physical abnormalities such as short stature, webbed necks, hearing loss among others.

Table 1 Overview of Turner’s Syndrome
Population Affected Only Females
Nature of Disorder Genetic
Symptoms Short Stature; Webbed Neck; Hearing Loss

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome also known as trisomy 21 refers to individuals who have an extra copy of all (or part) of chromosome 21 resulting in developmental delays along with other mild/moderate intellectual disabilities.

These two conditions might seem similar upon comparison however they represent quite different spectrum on the medical radar.

Causes

The causes behind each condition could not be more distinct from each other:-
A change involving non-disjunction(when chromosomes do not separate appropriately)leading towards monosomy(no member carried out).
Failure during cell division leading towards nondisjunction resulting into trisomy(three copies).

These dissimilar mechanisms clearly explain how Downs occurs equally amongst genders whereas Turners only manifests itself girls .\
Tip: Girls affected by either one survive toward birth but experienceably short lived lives, only reaching upto 30s-50s.

Physical Appearance

Quite unsurprisingly given the distinct nature of both conditions, people affected by them present different physical characteristics.\
Some common physical traits/characteristics are: –

Turner Syndrome

  • Wider neck & broader chest.
  • Shorter limbs as compared against their torso(Arms & legs equal length).
  • Low-hairline at backside of neck and ears situated lower in comparison to general population of females.

Down Syndrome

  • A flat nose bridge with almond-shaped eyes that slant upward.
  • Heart shaped face often accompanied by a smaller head size than peers.
    · Abnormal development around ear area leading to individuals commonly facing hearing problems.

These differences not only affect appearance but also lead towards specific health concerns for each condition

Health Effects

Specific health complications occur amongst those affected due to certain symptoms unique towards one particular condition

Table 2 Health Concerns Comparison Between Turners and Downs Syndromes
Turner’s Syndrome Down’s Syndrome
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease&Aortic Dissection Mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders seeing high prevalance
Higher Risk For Type-II Diabetes Mellitus Childhood Leukemia tends toward more occurrence in children born with this ailment.

However symptoms wise they either variable afflicting patients’ everyday life:

Turner Syndrome

 Showed Higher Prevalence Towards Arthritis,Renal Diseases And Thyroid Dysfunction Along With Diverse Sexual Disorders (Vaginal Dysgenesis)

Down Snydrome

 Sleep Apnea And Lymphangiomas a frequent encounter

Neither one is immune from heart defects,constipation,or gastrointestinal related issues—however prone more so twoards developing these types ofsounds strange(Mostly seen during adolescence).

Tip: Anabolic steroids have been proven effective medically in terms of mitigating these symptoms & creating balance

In conclusion, Turner syndrome and Down syndrome are two distinct chromosomal abnormalities that present themselves in different ways. While both can lead to certain physical and mental health complications, the underlying causes and effects are vastly different from each other.

While there’s no cure for either conditions,treatment is available through medication;therapy like occupational/speech/physical,aids support special education techniques,and/or surgery which require many assessments beforehand takingunder advisement circumstances on individual cases.

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