About this topic
Trisomy 18 is a health problem that your child is born with. It affects your childs heart, kidneys, brain, and bowels. It may also affect your child's hands, feet, and head. Your child may have severe developmental delays and other health problems. ‚
Trisomy 18 is a genetic problem and may be found with special testing while you are pregnant. ‚
What are the causes?
Trisomy 18 is caused by being born with an extra 18th chromosome. ‚
What are the main signs?
Babies with trisomy 18 may have many problems. They may have problems like: ‚
- Heart defects
- Abnormal brain development and severe developmental delays
- Small head with low set ears
- Kidney problems
- Part of the bowel is on the outside of the stomach
- The esophagus and the stomach do not connect
- Feet that are rounded on the bottom
- Chest is not shaped normally
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
This condition is often found on an ultrasound when a woman is pregnant. This may lead to genetic testing while the woman is still pregnant. If trisomy 18 is not found until after a baby is born, the doctor will take your childs history and do an exam. The doctor may order: ‚
- Ultrasound
- Echocardiogram
- Genetic testing
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your childs care is based on their signs. There is no cure for trisomy 18. Most children with this condition die within the first year of life. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Complications may include hearing problems, feeding difficulties, and slow growth after birth. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Nothing can be done to prevent the problem. If you have a family history of trisomy 18, you may want to have genetic testing and counseling to learn more about the illness. Counseling may be helpful if you wish to have other children. ‚
Helpful tips
- Join a support group. Talking with people who are dealing with this illness may help you cope easier.
- Tell your family about your childs illness and how they can help.
Where can I learn more?
Genetic Home Reference ‚
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/trisomy-18 ‚
Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13 and Related Disorders ‚
http://trisomy.org/?page_id=15714 ‚
Trisomy 18 Foundation ‚
http://www.trisomy18.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-01-12 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Miscellaneous
- Neonatal
- Pediatric
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚