Preface

Down syndrome is the commonest genetic disease in the world; affecting all countries, all races, and both sexes. Since the comprehensive description of clinical features of the syndrome in 1866 by John Langdon Down; and its genetic basis in 1959, researches are still trying to study various aspects of this syndrome to improve the health and the quality of life of the affected people. This book “Down syndrome children - An update” is a compilation of Twelve excellent chapters, contributed by established researchers in the field and covering different aspects of the problems that a child with Down syndrome can enface.

In the first chapter; Dr. Al-Biltagi shed some light on the epidemiology of DS, the factors affecting the risk of Down syndrome, and the prevalence of DS in the different parts of the world. In chapter 2; Dr. Solaf discussed the genetic basis of this syndrome together and the role of different genes in development of various syndrome related diseases. Then in the third chapter; Dr. Al-Biltagi and Dr. Hagag discussed the various neonatal problems in DS. After that, Dr. Al-Biltagi and Prof. Osama Tolba shed some light on the various cardiac problems that a child with DS can have.

In the Fifth chapter, Dr. Al-Biltagi discussed the different respiratory disorders that children with Ds have and the prophylaxis against respiratory infections which are relatively common in children with DS. He also explained in the sixth chapter the different anatomical and functional gastrointestinal problems that are common in those children. At the same time, Dr. Saeed discussed in the seventh chapter, reasons for increased incidence of infection in children with DS as well as the different types of infections that children with DS are exposed to and the effect of the infection on DS and how to prevent these infections. Then Dr. El- Shanshory explained the different hematological problems that are frequently encountered in DS children in the eighth chapter. Then Dr. El-Mitwalli described the neuro-anatomic functions of the brain in DS and explained the different neurological disorders that are common in DS children in the Ninth chapter.

In the tenth chapter; Dr. Fu Yong Jiao and his colleagues described the mental development, the behavior phenotypes, the academic achievements in young people with DS as well as the psychology of sex, the various psychosocial problems in children and adolescents with DS and diagnosis, assessment and management of these disorders. In the eleventh chapter, Dr. Alasy and his colleagues described the various aspects of anesthesia related problems and their management in children with DS. Then Dr. Meakkara described the various dental problems and their management in twelfth chapter.

A great effort has been made to accomplish this book. It would not have been possible to complete this book without the sincere efforts of the authors, and especially the staff at Bentham Science Publishers, giving their continuous support. Their patience, enthusiasm and encouragement were a greatly appreciated source of strength during its extended preparation. Perhaps of greater importance, than the book and its many contributions, were the remarkable people that formed a unique collaborative team to make it happen.