Trisomy+18

**figure 1 is the common chromosome pattern in Trisomy 18 infants**. Some major deffects are development delays, mental retardation. In males this often causes undesended testes. Trisomy 18 infants** **also might have odd formations of the head and facial area, such as a easily seen back portion of the head that is low-set. Malformed ears, an** **abnormally small jaw, a small mouth with an unusually narrow roof, and an upturned nose, are also signs of Trisomy 18 disorder. These infants may also have narrow eyelid folds, widely spaced eyes, or drooping of the upper eyelids. They usually also have "flexed fingers," underdeveloped fingernails, underdeveloped or an absent thumb. Webbed toes, club feet, a short pelvis, and a short breastbone are also signs of Trisomy 18. Kidney malformations and heart deffects are some of the major effects of Edwards Syndrome.**
 * Trisomy 18 is a very rare chromosome disorder. Its also know as Edwards Dsease. Trisomy 18 chromosomes appear three times in the cell instead twice. Sometimes this disorder will only appear in a certain percentage of cells. Depending on the location of the disorder will tell what part of the body will be effected. Growth abnormalities** **will often cause the baby to have trouble breathing, feeding, and moving.** **Trisomy 18 is a syndrome affecting approximately 1 out of 3,000 live births. It is three times more common in girls than boys.**
 * Deffects:

Doctors can diagnose this disorder before the infant is born. This happens during the first 14-16 weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound is performed so that they can confirm the age of the fetus. This process also checks to see where the fetus is in the placenta. A amniocentesis is a needle put into the womens abdomen into the uterus, to confirm this disorder. Most of the Trisomy 18 babies don't live past the first few days or the first week. Shortly after the birth the baby is usually diagnosed with other major problems. If one of these problems is trouble breathing, they give you a ventilater.
 * Diagnosing:

Treatment: Medical care for infants with Trisomy 18 is supportive which focuses on providing nutrition, treating infections, and managing heart problems. During the first months of life, infants with Trisomy 18 require constant medical care. Due to the complex medical problems, including heart defects and overwhelming infections, infants have a 5% chance of surviving to age 1 year. Advances in medical care over time will help more infants with Trisomy 18 live into childhood and hopefully longer.

What to expect: There is a shortened life expectancy for children with Trisomy 18. Although most children pass on within the first year of life, it is encouraging to know that there are several reported cases of children older than 10 years of age. For parents whose children survive past infancy, it is important to understand that children with Trisomy 18 can reach many wonderful milestones, including developing a loving relationship with their family. Figure 2 is a baby with this particular chromosome disorder.

Citations: Herrewghe, Barbara. "Alliance of Genetic Support Groups." __Trisomy 18, 13, and Related Genetic Disorders.__ Rochester: Ney York, 1992. 38- 145.

" Trisomy 18/Edwards Syndrome." 2001. The Resourse Foundation for Children with Challenges. 1 May. 2009 .

" Trisomy 18 (Edwards disease)." 2009. The New York Times Company. 1 May. 2009 [|.

"Trisomy 18." 2009. Department of Health and Human Services. 1 May. 2009 .

"Trisomy 18 Syndrome." 2009. WebMD, LLC. 1 May. 2009 .**