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Trisomy 18

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Definition:

Trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder associated with the presence of extra material from chromosome 18.

Alternative Names:

Edwards syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Trisomy 18 is a relatively common syndrome affecting approximately 1 out of 3,000 live births. It is three times more common in girls than boys. The syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra material from chromosome 18. The extra material interferes with normal development.

• Review Date: 7/2/2007
• Reviewed By: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of HumanGenetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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