Question 1

does epicanthal folds mean down syndrome?

Accepted Answer

By itself, no: There are many stigmata of down's. If this is the sole feature and is not racial, then it is a congenital defect on its own.

Question 2

does epicanthal folds always mean down syndrome?

Accepted Answer

No: Epicanthal folds can also be seen in asians, russians, and other races/cultures. In Down syndrome there are other features such as hypotonia, wide space between 1st and 2nd toe. There is a 50% chance of heart defects as well. The palpebral fissues (the eyelid opening) slants upward. The 5th finger is often short and curves inward. There are many other features with down syndrome.

Question 3

grandauhter has epicanthal folds, does not have down syndrome. has 1/2 brother  with d.s.  is this merely  a characteristic inherited from him?

Accepted Answer

Normal Variation: Epicanthal folds are a normal varient.No it was not inherited from the brother.The genetics are apparently in the family gene pool.

Question 4

why would a caucasian have epicanthal folds if not down's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Ancestry: The term caucasian comes from the caucasus mountains and caucasus region which consists of parts of present day russia, georgia, azerbaijan, armenia, iran, turkey. 
The term caucasian is used synonymously with the term white when people talk about race. The old racial terminology is outdated. "whites" can have Asian features such as epicanthal folds. Modern genetics shows that we are all related.

Question 5

why would a baby have epicanthal folds if he doesn't have down's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Epicanthal folds are normal in Asian races.  Outside of asia, epicanthal folds can be part of Down syndrome or other syndromes.  Epicanthal folds alone may not be reason for a medical genetics referral.  If other anomalies are present (low set ears, joint/bone disorders, low iq, webbed nec), then referral is certainly warranted.

Question 6

people with epicanthal folds in eyes ( seen in down's syndrome ), but not mentally challenged?

Accepted Answer

Can be normal: Epicanthic folds can be found in people who do not have genetic disorders.

Question 7

child with down syndrome has epicathal folds, thick tongue and low set ears. what else could be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Probably nothing: Those are all characteristics of down syndrome.

Question 8

epicanthal folds - toddler - medical opinion please?

Accepted Answer

True vs pseudo: In the natural formation of the toddler face a wide nasal root and tenting of oculo-nasal skin is common. The newborn & toddler face are somewhat flat in lateral profile and the midface (nose& upper lip) grow forward over  the years & the earlier fold disappears. Occasionally the appearance leads some to think the kid is cross eyed if viewed from the side.

Question 9

i need to know if there is a surgery to have epicanthal folds and what are the risks?

Accepted Answer

Do you want them or?: A common complication of epicanthal folds is epiblepharon, which affects 2% of 12 year old oriental children; the lower lid folds inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the sclera and cornea. see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3373233/ 
The article describes the history, procedures and complications

Question 10

is an example of epicanthal folds asian eyes?

Accepted Answer

Eyelid folds: Epicanthal folds are the prominent folds nasally on the eyelids in people of Asian desent.  They often hide some of the white portion of the eye nasally and sometimes make the individual falsely look cross-eyed.  They do not represent pathology.

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Doctor answers about:

Epicanthal folds down syndrome

A member asked:

Does epicanthal folds mean down syndrome?

A member asked:

Does epicanthal folds always mean down syndrome?

A member asked:

Grandauhter has epicanthal folds, does not have down syndrome. has 1/2 brother with d.s. is this merely a characteristic inherited from him?

A member asked:

Why would a caucasian have epicanthal folds if not down's syndrome?

A member asked:

Why would a baby have epicanthal folds if he doesn't have down's syndrome?

A member asked:

People with epicanthal folds in eyes ( seen in down's syndrome ), but not mentally challenged?

A member asked:

Child with down syndrome has epicathal folds, thick tongue and low set ears. what else could be wrong?

A member asked:

Epicanthal folds - toddler - medical opinion please?

A member asked:

I need to know if there is a surgery to have epicanthal folds and what are the risks?

A member asked:

Is an example of epicanthal folds asian eyes?

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