Edward's Syndrome
Description: The extra copy of Chromosome 18
Image copyright: http://medgen.genetics.utah.edu/photographs/diseases/high/cytog003.jpg
Edward's Syndrome, or, Trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder that affects infants. Infants are born with it and it affects most of their bodily systems. Infants born with Trisomy 18, rarely live through the first year of their life. The ones that do are severe cases of mental retardation or diseases. Trisomy 18 is caused by an extra set of chromosome 18. Like, Chromosome 21 (Down Syndrome) it affects all systems of the body and distinct facial features. (HealthAtoZ, 2006)
Symptoms
Malformations with the digestive system, the urinary track and the genitals.
Severe growth retardation, the second and fifth finger are more than likely over-lapping on top of the other fingers
Other deformations of the hands and feet
The head face are affected as well- small eyes, wide set eyes, epicanthal( a fold of skin from one eyelid over the inner canthus of the eye) folds and a small set jaw are common
Mental retardation and delayed development
Hight muscle tone and seizures
Also, brain defects (Rare Diseases: Trisomy 18, 2008)
Diagnosis
When the child is born, the physical traits of the baby will immediately point towards Trisomy 18. X-rays of the skeleton will also confirm the diagnosis, also ultrasound of the heart and the abdomen can confirm the diagnosis. If you genetic test the baby before birth, or a blood test after birth, can also confirm that the infant has Trisomy 18.
Treatment
There is no scientific cure for Trisomy 18. Since most of the babies die and it only occurs in 1 0f 6,000-8,000 infants, doctors haven't bothered with it too much. If infants start getting it more frequently, maybe doctors will get to work on finding a cure for this deadly disorder. (Geocities: Story of Abigail, 2006)
