TRISOMY 13
By: Adien & Savannah
What is Trisomy 13
Trisomy 13 is a genetic disorder where there are 3 copies of chromosome 13. The extra chromosome becomes attached to another chromosome. Having 3 copies disrupts the normal course of development which can be shown by physical features.
What kind of Disorder is Trisomy 13?
Trisomy 13 is a recessive disorder, there is only one type that can be passed down and it is called Translocation. In Translocation the parents chromosome is attached to another chromosome so that makes them a carrier. Which means they carry the disorder of Trisomy 13 but don't have the features of it, but most cases end up not being carried in the family but it is a defect in early child development.
Symptoms
There are a lot of symptoms
- Heart defects
- Brain and spinal cord abnormalities
- Weak muscle tone
- Poorly developed eyes
- Seizures
- Extra fingers or toes
- Sloping forehead
- Deafness
The average age it effects
Trisomy 13 effects newborns. The average life expectancy is 1 week. Rarely ever do these children live past a year because of the complications.There is an equal distribution between gender, so it is not gender specific. Females have a higher survival rate than males do. About 1/16,000 newborns are born with this disease. Also as the mother gets older the chances for this disease is increase.
Treatments
There are not many treatments for this rare disorder but they have found that surgery helps and also support groups.
Life Expectancy and Long Term Effects
The average life expectancy is 1-7 days but it is very rare that the child will live a full life. Long term effects are
- Heart failure
- seizures
- deafness
- blindness
- trouble surviving