2006-09-17 12:02:13 · 7 answers · asked by empressandra 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Does anyone know of any?
2006-09-17 12:10:21 · update #1
Yes, it does happen. I know of at least 3 sets of twins with Down syndrome. Alternatively, there are many sets of twins where only one has Down syndrome.
May also just make one small correction to Johnny's answer. Down syndrome is actually Trisomy 21, a triplication of the 21st chromosome.
2006-09-18 05:11:40 · answer #1 · answered by Smom 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Although I don't know any personally or know of any, it is possible, however quite unlikely. Downs' Syndrome is a trisomy of chromosome 23 (this is considered a mutation of this chromosome). This is decided at conception and isn't very common in most pregnancies. Shortly after conception if the cells totally split from each other identical twins (or more multiples) are formed. Identical twins are far less common than fraternal twins but not totally rare. I myself am an identical twin and 2 of my sons are identical twins. Because identical twins are formed from the same egg and the same sperm the share the same characteristics and physical features as well as mutated chromosomes. If the original cluster of cells had a mutated chromosome 23 AND the twins are identical (both quite uncommon and when put together VERY uncommon) the twins will both have Down's. It is also possible in fraternal twins but the chances of fraternal twins both having Down's Syndrome are the same chances that any 2 siblings both have it. Fraternal twins are really nothing more than 2 children born at the same time. They may look alike but they will not look more alike than any brother(s)/sister(s) do because they're formed from 2 separate eggs and 2 separate sperm. I hope I've answered your question.
2006-09-17 12:17:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes. In our L+D unit we delivered a pair of identical twin girls, both (of course) with Down's. It would also be possible for this to happen with fraternal twins as well. It is also possible for fraternal twins if one baby had Down's and the other didn't.
2006-09-17 13:08:21 · answer #3 · answered by kitty-mama 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah its possible especially if their identical. I have a disease called friedreichs ataxia that only affects 1 out of 50,000 people and my identical twin has it also.
2006-09-17 12:12:19 · answer #4 · answered by aarontwoa 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's possible, especially if they are identical twins
2006-09-17 12:06:25 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have never seen it personally, but yes it can happen.
2006-09-17 12:10:49 · answer #6 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yeah it could happen
2006-09-17 12:05:45 · answer #7 · answered by koolnsweett 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋