Clinical features: Edwards syndrome is more severe than Down syndrome. Most fetuses are miscarried before term or the baby is stillborn. The birth weight is low and the diagnosis can be made by the characteristic clinical features, although it must be confirmed by chromosome analysis. Congenital abnormalities of the heart and kidneys are frequent in those that survive, although 30% die within a month of birth. Only 10% of children with Edwards syndrome survive beyond one year, but with profound learning disabilities.
Incidence: The overall birth incidence is 1 in 3,000 live births, with a maternal age effect.
Chromosome result: Edwards Syndrome is a chromosomal condition related to chromosome 18. Almost always a result of trisomy 18 but occasionally due to rearrangements of chromosome 18.
Recurrence risk: For parents of a child with trisomy 18, the risk of recurrence for trisomy 18 or for the other major chromosomal abnormalities is 1%.
UK Support Group: S.O.F.T. U.K. Support Organisation for Trisomy 13/18 and related disorders
Web: www.soft.org.uk
If you would like further information on Edwards Syndrome please go to either:-
The Least You Need to Know Coffee Break Summary Pitfalls to Avoid Find Out More Clinical Scenarios at Genepool - Edwards syndrome
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