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Trisomy 18

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Syndactyly
Syndactyly

Alternative Names    Return to top

Edwards syndrome

Definition    Return to top

Trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder associated with the presence of extra material from chromosome 18.

Causes    Return to top

Trisomy 18 is a relatively common syndrome affecting approximately 1 out of 3,000 live births. It is three times more common in girls than boys. The syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra material from chromosome 18. The extra material interferes with normal development.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Examination of the pregnant woman may show an unusually large uterus and extra amniotic fluid. An unusually small placenta may be seen when the baby is born.

Physical examination of the infant may show unusual finger print patterns. X-rays may show a short breast bone. Chromosome studies show trisomy 18, partial trisomy, or translocation.

There are often signs of congenital heart disease, such as:

Tests may also show kidney problems, including:

Treatment    Return to top

Medical management of children with Trisomy 18 is planned on a case-by-case basis and depends on the individual circumstances of the patient.

Support Groups    Return to top

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Fifty percent of infants with this condition do not survive beyond the first week of life. Some children have survived to teenage years, but with serious medical and developmental problems.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications depend on the specific defects and symptoms.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider and genetic counselor if you have had a child with Trisomy 18 and you plan to have another child.

Prevention    Return to top

Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18 is possible with an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling and chromosome studies on amniotic cells. Parents who have a child with translocational trisomy 18 and want additional children should have chromosome studies, because they are at increased risk to have another child with trisomy 18.

Update Date: 7/2/2007

Updated by: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of HumanGenetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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