EDWARDS
SYNDROME – SCI & TECH
News:
Down syndrome, Edwards
syndrome found in ancient individuals
What's
in the news?
●
Researchers have reported chromosomal
disorders discovered from prehistoric skeletal remains, dating up to
approximately 5,500 years old — including six cases of Down syndrome and one
case of Edwards syndrome.
Key
takeaways:
●
According to the authors of a paper
published in the journal Nature Communications, the findings may represent the
first time Edwards syndrome has been identified from historic or prehistoric
remains.
Edwards
Syndrome:
●
It is also known as trisomy 18.
●
It is an autosomal chromosomal disorder due to an extra copy of chromosome
18.
●
It is a very severe genetic condition that
affects child’s body development and growth.
Symptoms:
●
Children diagnosed with trisomy 18 have a
low birth weight, multiple birth defects and defining physical characteristics.
Types
of Edwards Syndrome:
There are three types of
Edwards syndrome such as
Complete
Trisomy 18:
●
It is the most common form (94%).
●
In this type, every cell contains three
complete copies of chromosome 18.
●
The extra chromosome is most often of
maternal origin.
Mosaic
Trisomy 18:
●
It is the second most common type (less
than 5%).
●
In this type, both a complete trisomy 18
and a normal cell line exist.
Partial
Trisomy 18:
●
In this type, only a partial segment of
chromosome 18 is present in triplicate.
●
The partial triplicate often results from
a balanced translocation or inversion carried by one of the parents.
Treatment:
●
There are no specific treatments for trisomy 18.
●
Treatment will focus on the symptoms of
the condition, such as heart conditions, breathing difficulties and infections.