Which age group is primarily affected by DiGeorge Syndrome?

DiGeorge Syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, primarily affects infants and young children. This genetic condition arises from a deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22 and is associated with a variety of developmental problems, including heart defects, immune system issues, and facial abnormalities.

The impact of DiGeorge Syndrome is most significant at a very early age because it can lead to critical health conditions that are often identified during infancy, such as congenital heart defects and hypoparathyroidism, which require immediate medical attention. As these children grow, the symptoms can manifest in various developmental delays and learning difficulties, but the initial presentation and diagnosis typically occur in infancy.

In contrast, older age groups, such as adolescents, elderly persons, or school-aged children, do not primarily exhibit the symptoms or require the same level of medical attention as seen in infants. Issues arising from DiGeorge Syndrome can persist throughout life, but the age group that is primarily affected in terms of diagnosis and health impacts is infants.