Paternal Age Combined with Maternal Age Influences the Incidence of Down Syndrome

Abstract

Context: Genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome possess greater risk for Children born to older parents. Aims: The influence of maternal age on Down syndrome is well established, but little is known about the genetic consequences of advanced paternal age. Methods and Material: This study group included both Down syndrome patients and age, sex matched healthy controls. Results: In this later maternal age group, the paternal contribution to Down syndrome was more than 50%. A paternal age effect on Down syndrome was seen in association with maternal age of 35 years and above, and it was most pronounced when the maternal age was of 40 years and above. Conclusions: Advanced paternal age combined with maternal age influences the incidence of Down syndrome. This effect may represent a paradigm for other genetic abnormalities in children of older fathers.