Learn all about Trisomy 18

• April 25, 2024

The trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder in which a person has a third copy of the material from the chromosome 18, instead of the two normal copies; this failure interferes with the normal development of the newborn. The syndrome is three times more frequent in girls than in boys.

The outlook is not encouraging since half of babies with this condition do not survive beyond the first week of life. However, there are cases in which some children have survived until adolescence, but with serious health problems.

Such is the case of the small Bella Santorum , 3 years old, daughter of the pre-candidate for the presidency of the White House , Rick Santorum ; who on Saturday, January 28, had to be hospitalized because of a pneumonia . Complication caused by trisomy 18 suffering.

The main symptoms of this condition are: low fetal weight, mental deficiency, small head, prominent chest, motor difficulty of the hands and underdeveloped nails.

The diagnosis of this condition can be made through prenatal tests such as the sample of chorionic hair that evidences this syndrome from the gestation . This test also identifies trisomy 21, popularly known as Down's Syndrome .

The treatment that is used in children with trisomy 18 It depends on the condition of each patient. It is important to have medical advice that helps to understand the disease, the risks of inheriting it and how to take care of the patient.

Follow us at @GetQoralHealth and GetQoralHealth on Facebook

Would you like to receive more information about your interest? Sign up with us

Video Medicine: Rebekah Faith with Trisomy 18 Learning to sit up (April 2024).