Risk Of Trisomy 18 By Maternal Age Chart
Trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder that is caused when an individual has three copies of chromosome 18 instead of the normal two copies. This condition is also known as Edwards syndrome, named after the physician who first described it in 1960. This extra genetic material affects the development of the baby and causes various physical and intellectual disabilities.
Trisomy 18 is a rare condition that occurs in about 1 in 5,000 live births. The risk of having a baby with Trisomy 18 increases as the mother's age increases.
Maternal Age and Trisomy 18 Risk
The risk of having a baby with Trisomy 18 increases with maternal age. The risk is highest for mothers who are 35 years or older. The chart above shows the risk of Trisomy 18 by maternal age.
For mothers who are 20 years old or younger, the risk of having a baby with Trisomy 18 is about 1 in 7,500. For mothers who are 35 years old or older, the risk increases to about 1 in 250.
Other Factors That Influence Trisomy 18 Risk
While maternal age is the most significant factor that influences the risk of Trisomy 18, there are other factors that may also increase the risk. These include:
- Previous child with Trisomy 18
- Family history of Trisomy 18 or other chromosomal abnormalities
- Carrying a translocation of chromosome 18
If any of these risk factors are present, genetic counseling may be recommended to help parents understand their risk of having a baby with Trisomy 18.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Trisomy 18 can be diagnosed through prenatal testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. These tests can detect the extra chromosome 18 in the baby's cells.
There is no cure for Trisomy 18, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve the baby's quality of life. Treatment may include:
- Surgery to correct physical abnormalities
- Feeding support
- Oxygen therapy
- Medications to control seizures
However, many babies with Trisomy 18 do not survive beyond the first few months of life.
Conclusion
Trisomy 18 is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the baby and causes various physical and intellectual disabilities. The risk of having a baby with Trisomy 18 increases with maternal age, with the highest risk for mothers who are 35 years or older. Other risk factors include previous child with Trisomy 18, family history of chromosomal abnormalities, and carrying a translocation of chromosome 18. Prenatal testing can diagnose Trisomy 18, and treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve the baby's quality of life.