RIYADH: The number of children below 17 years of age with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia stood at 20,000, a pediatric specialist said.
Dr. Khaled Aldagam, head of the department of general pediatrics at King Fahd Medical City (KFMC), cited data released by the Arab Center for Genetic Studies which has said there was one case of Down syndrome in every 554 births in the Kingdom.
Addressing an event on the global day of Down syndrome at KFMC, Aldagam said that Down syndrome happens when a person has extra
or abnormal chromosomes; a normal person has 46 chromosomes whereas most people with Down syndrome have 47.
He said Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a third copy of chromosome 21 is present in cells because of abnormal cell division when the egg and sperm first meet. This will lead to genetic disorder in the body or brain development of a child, he said.
He said the global rate of Down syndrome is one case out of every 900 births. He said one of major causes of the syndrome is pregnancy at late ages and, accordingly, a first pregnancy at the age of 30 carries the ratio of one case of Down syndrome in every 900 births.
However, if a woman married over 40 years, the ratio rises to one case in every 100 births, and after 45 years the ratio jumps to one case in every 30 births, he said.
20,000 children suffering from Down syndrome, says expert
20,000 children suffering from Down syndrome, says expert
Where We Are Going Today: Crozy
Some desserts look heavy before you even take a bite, but that was not the case at Crozy. From the first try, the pastries were airy, fluffy and light, offering a comforting taste without the feeling of consuming overly high-calorie sweets.
The pastries lean toward a fruity and slightly sweet profile, avoiding the common pitfall of being overwhelmed by sugar. The texture is puffy and delicate, and I genuinely loved and savored my first bite.
I opted for the berry filling, though the menu offers a variety of flavors. The balance between the fruitiness and the soft pastry made the experience feel indulgent yet surprisingly light.
The coffee was another highlight. It had a dark, toasted profile with a rich and favorable coffee taste. What stood out most was the savory aftertaste, which lingered pleasantly and paired beautifully with the sweetness of the pastry. Together, the pastry and coffee created a wonderful combination.
Crozy also stands out for its presentation. The packaging is stylish and thoughtfully designed, and the creativity in the flavors reflects a brand that clearly puts effort into both aesthetics and taste.
Boxes are priced between SR95 ($25.30) and SR200, depending on the size and variety of pastries included.
One downside is accessibility. The brand appears to have only one branch located in Dhahrat Al-Laban, meaning you may need to make a dedicated trip if you want to try it. It is also available via delivery apps.
While the pastries themselves are truly impressive, flavorful, light and beautifully presented, service consistency could improve. On one occasion, an order for creme brulee was substituted with pistachio because the original item was unavailable, which was disappointing.
Despite this, Crozy delivers a memorable dessert experience. The flavors are creative, the pastries are deliciously light, and the coffee pairing makes it a place dessert lovers will likely find themselves returning to.
