Q: What are 3 signs of Edwards syndrome?
Edwards syndrome, also known as trisomy 18, is a genetic disorder that is caused by the presence of a third copy of material from chromosome 18. This genetic condition is associated with a wide range of medical complications, including serious physical and mental developmental delays. It is a rare disorder, affecting around 1 in 5,000 live births, and 3 out of 4 babies born with this condition do not survive beyond their first year of life.
The signs of Edwards syndrome can vary significantly from person to person, but there are three common physical characteristics generally associated with this syndrome. Firstly, babies with Edwards syndrome often have a small, abnormally shaped head with a low-set, malformed ear. Secondly, babies may have an unusually clenched fist, with the index and middle fingers overlapping the third and fourth fingers. Thirdly, babies may also have a narrow chest and have difficulty breathing.
In addition to the physical characteristics associated with Edwards syndrome, babies may also have a range of other medical complications. These include heart defects, such as a hole in the wall between the lower chambers of the heart, kidney defects, and digestive system problems. Babies may also have difficulty feeding, and may be born with an abnormally small jaw and low-set eyes.
Babies with Edwards syndrome may also experience severe mental and developmental delays. For example, they may have difficulty learning to walk and talk, and may display signs of autism. They may also have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as grasping objects, and may have difficulty with hand-eye coordination.
Overall, Edwards syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, with three main physical characteristics associated with it. These include an abnormally small head and ears, an unusually clenched fist, and a narrow chest. In addition, babies with Edwards syndrome may experience a range of other medical complications, as well as severe mental and developmental delays.