22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a genetic
condition that some babies are born with. A genetic condition happens when there is
a problem with a part of a child's DNA. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome can affect many
different systems in the body. The problems it causes can range in severity.
22q11.2 deletion syndrome is called 22qDS or 22q
for short.
What Causes 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome?
People diagnosed with 22q are missing a piece of DNA from the 22nd chromosome.
The missing DNA includes several genes that affect how the body develops.
Most often, 22q deletion
happens because of a random gene mutation (change) in the early stages
of pregnancy. But it also can be inherited (passed down from a parent to their child).
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome?
The body systems affected are different in each person. Some children with 22q
will have one or two symptoms, and others will have several more.
Doctors do tests to confirm a diagnosis of 22q. This may happen:
Before birth. If a pregnant woman has a family history of 22q
or a prenatal test
shows the developing baby could have 22q, the doctor will usually do such tests as:
a check of calcium levels and infection-fighting cells in the baby's blood
genetic tests of the baby, siblings, and parents
Later in life. Some people with 22q are diagnosed when they are
older through genetic testing.
How Is 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Treated?
Some children may need surgery soon after birth to fix problems related to their
heart, breathing, or feeding. All children with 22q need regular visits with a team
of specialists to do routine checks.
This team often includes doctors with special training in:
speech, language, and voice concerns (speech-language pathologist)
learning difficulties and cognitive issues (neuropsychology)
How Can Parents Help?
To help if your child has 22q:
Find a team that specializes in 22q. Not every hospital has all
the providers needed to assess and manage a child with 22q. You can look online to
find a 22q center at:
Go to medical appointments. Take your child to all scheduled checkups
and any follow-up appointments with specialists.
Set up therapy care when needed. Help your child build and strengthen
life skills. Set up speech
therapy and physical
therapy visits, or other care that doctors and nurses recommend. If your
child has a hard time paying attention, or feels anxious or sad often, ask the doctor
if therapy with
a mental health provider could help.
Connect with others for support and awareness. Join a 22q support
group to find other parents who share similar experiences.
