Edwards Syndrome

Edwards syndrome is a genetic disorder which is also known as Trisomy E or Trisomy 18 since it is due to the presence of an extra 18th chromosome (or part of it). Most of those who are affected die during the fetal stage and those who survive usually live for only short periods of time due to a number of abnormalities which involve key organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and stomach. Infants with Edwards syndrome are underweight, have small heads, mouths, and jaws, appear very fragile, have low-set ears, may have cleft palates or lips, and may have clubbed feet or webbed toes. This genetic disorder occurs in around 1 out of 6,000 live births. There are more girls (around 80%) than boys who were reported to have this disorder. This condition was first described by John Hilton Edwards, a British medical geneticist, in 1960.