March is Trisomy Awareness Month
March is Trisomy Awareness Month. Health conditions and problems associated with trisomy include physical abnormalities, such as extra fingers or toes; physiological issues, such as irregular heartbeat patterns; and problems related to intellectual and developmental functioning. Trisomy can occur with any chromosome, but the most well-known syndromes are: Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome), and Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome):
1. Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down syndrome, occurs in 1 in 691 live births in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with Down syndrome usually have mild-to-moderate intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), heart abnormalities, and are at risk for hearing and vision loss and a number of other health conditions. Learn more about Down syndrome on the NICHD Down Syndrome: Condition Information webpage.
2.Trisomy 18, also called Edwards syndrome, occurs in about 1 in 5,000 live births each year in the United States. Infants with Trisomy 18 often have severe IDD, as well as serious heart problems and other life-threatening issues that make them less likely to live past their first birthday. Learn more about Trisomy 18 at Genetics Home Reference Trisomy 18 webpage.
3. Trisomy 13, also called Patau syndrome, occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 16,000 live births each year worldwide. Trisomy 13 is associated with more severe IDD and multiple physical problems, including serious heart problems. Learn more about Trisomy 13 on the Genetic Home Reference Trisomy 13 webpage.
Each trisomy condition has unique clinical findings and requirements. Find more information and resources by liking and following us on Facebook.
