

In rare cases, where the disabilities are not very pronounced, the individual may survive into early adulthood but will never be able to function independently. Depending on the number and type of cells affected, the disabilities will differ from baby to baby.Ībout seven in ten babies with this condition may survive a year or more. In mosaic trisomy 18, only some cells of the baby will have an extra copy of chromosome 18. Babies born with Edward's syndrome may also have issues with the development of the heart, lungs, and spinal column. The baby usually has multiple defects and organ abnormalities such as a small, misshapen head, a smaller-than-average jaw, clenched fists with overlapping fingers, low-set ears, and exomphalos, which is when the intestines are found in a sac outside the stomach. Edward's syndromeĮdward's syndrome is the most severe form of trisomy 18, as the affected baby will likely die shortly after being born. There are several different types of trisomy 18, which include Edward's syndrome, mosaic trisomy 18, and partial trisomy 18. The error occurs in cell division and is known as meiotic disjunction.

In 90% of the cases, the defect has been attributed to the egg. The error that causes trisomy 18 usually occurs during the production of the sperm or the egg. In trisomy 18, the baby has three copies of chromosome number 18 instead of the requisite two.

While a defect in chromosomes causes the condition, it is not an inherited disease. The possibility of a woman giving birth to a child with Edward's syndrome increases with the pregnant woman's age. There is no cure for this condition.Įdward's syndrome, which is also known as Trisomy 18, is estimated to affect one in five thousand live births. Babies with this chromosomal condition die soon after birth. Reviewed by Dan Hutchins, M.PhilĮdward’s syndrome is a genetic defect that results in several abnormalities in the body of the babies born with the condition.
