Trisomy 18 Forum
Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards Syndrome, is a chromosomal disorder caused by an additional third copy of chromosome 18. It is a rare, but serious, genetic disorder that can cause significant physical and developmental disabilities. The severity of the disorder varies widely, but it is typically considered fatal in most cases.
Fetal Mortality
The mortality rate of fetuses with trisomy 18 is extremely high. More than 95% of fetuses with trisomy 18 die before or shortly after birth. Those that survive may suffer from a variety of physical and developmental disabilities, including heart defects, respiratory problems, and digestive system issues.
Infant Mortality
The mortality rate for infants with trisomy 18 is also high. Most infants with trisomy 18 die within the first year of life. Those that do survive past one year may experience a variety of physical and developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, hearing and vision impairment, and seizures.
Long Term Outcomes
Although the majority of infants with trisomy 18 do not survive past one year, some have been known to live into adulthood. These individuals tend to have milder physical and developmental disabilities, and may be able to live relatively independent lives. However, due to the severity of the disorder, most people with trisomy 18 still require significant medical care and support throughout their lives.
Conclusion
Overall, trisomy 18 is a serious and often fatal chromosomal disorder. The mortality rate of fetuses and infants with trisomy 18 is high, and those that do survive can experience significant physical and developmental disabilities. In rare cases, individuals with trisomy 18 have been known to live into adulthood, but most require significant medical care and support throughout their lives.