DiGeorge Syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a disorder caused by the deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22. The main characteristics of DiGeorge Syndrome can vary among individuals, but typically include:

1. Congenital heart disease: Most individuals with DiGeorge Syndrome are born with a heart defect, such as a hole in the heart, abnormal heart valves, or other complications that affect the heart's rhythm, structure, or function.

2. Specific facial features: These may include a long face, small ears, a small mouth, a short philtrum (the groove between the nose and the upper lip), and a bulbous nose.

3. Thymus gland dysfunction: The thymus gland is part of the immune system, and its dysfunction can lead to a decreased ability to fight infections.

4. Hypocalcemia: This is caused by low levels of parathyroid hormone, which regulates the body's calcium levels. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, seizures, and fatigue.

5. Developmental delay and learning difficulties: Children with DiGeorge Syndrome often have delays in reaching developmental milestones and may struggle with learning and behavior.

6. Mental health disorders: These can include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, and depression.

7. Speech and feeding problems: These can be due to certain physical characteristics, such as palate abnormalities, or due to developmental delays.

To determine if these characteristics are present in a child (tamariki), a detailed medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests (such as genetic testing) would be needed. The presence of several of these symptoms could suggest DiGeorge Syndrome, but a definitive diagnosis would require genetic testing to identify the chromosome 22 deletion.

Question

DiGeorge Syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a disorder caused by the deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22. The main characteristics of DiGeorge Syndrome can vary among individuals, but typically include:

1. Congenital heart disease: Most individuals with DiGeorge Syndrome are born with a heart defect, such as a hole in the heart, abnormal heart valves, or other complications that affect the heart's rhythm, structure, or function.

2. Specific facial features: These may include a long face, small ears, a small mouth, a short philtrum (the groove between the nose and the upper lip), and a bulbous nose.

3. Thymus gland dysfunction: The thymus gland is part of the immune system, and its dysfunction can lead to a decreased ability to fight infections.

4. Hypocalcemia: This is caused by low levels of parathyroid hormone, which regulates the body's calcium levels. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, seizures, and fatigue.

5. Developmental delay and learning difficulties: Children with DiGeorge Syndrome often have delays in reaching developmental milestones and may struggle with learning and behavior.

6. Mental health disorders: These can include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, and depression.

7. Speech and feeding problems: These can be due to certain physical characteristics, such as palate abnormalities, or due to developmental delays.

To determine if these characteristics are present in a child (tamariki), a detailed medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests (such as genetic testing) would be needed. The presence of several of these symptoms could suggest DiGeorge Syndrome, but a definitive diagnosis would require genetic testing to identify the chromosome 22 deletion.

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