General:Children born with trisomy 18 have misshapen heads and often have lung, heart, kidney and other defects. 90% of children born with this disorder don't survive a year. Heart defects are the leading cause of death. With increased care, some children with Edward's syndrome are living longer.
Chromosomal cause: Usually a person gets two copies of each gene, one from the father and one from the mother. In a trisomy, the cells didn't split right during anaphase, and one sperm or egg received two copies of a gene. Then it combines with its partner, there are three copies of the gene, or a trisomy. In trisomy 18, three copies of chromosome number 18 were received by the baby, and this causes a host of defects. Males and females have equal chances to have trisomy 18, and the risk of trisomies increase as the mother gets older.
Characteristics: Children with trisomy 18 have small heads, low-placed ears, very small chins, and the general appearance of elf-children. In infancy, they will clench their fists in an unusual fashion, characteristic of this disorder. The first finger will overlap the second and third. They may be born with holes in their hearts and a cleft lip. hands and feet may be misshapen.
Trisomy 18 or Edward's Syndrome(Try-so-me)
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