BIRTH DEFECTS

Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)  
Trisomies occur when there is a triplet of a specific chromosome instead of the normal number of 2. The most common trisomy is trisomy 21 or Down syndrome. In Edwards syndrome, or trisomy 18, there are 3 chromosome 18's. Patients with trisomy 18 can range from mildly to severely affected. Some characteristics of this syndrome are clenched hands, shield chest with short sternum, short neck, and small jaw. Heart defects are typical of trisomy 18, including ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, and coarctation of the aorta. Also common are omphaloceles (when a portion of the intestinal tract is located outside of the body) and kidney problems.

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