What would trisomy 13 mean?

Trisomy 13 (also called Patau syndrome) is a genetic disorder in which a person has 3 copies of genetic material from chromosome 13, instead of the usual 2 copies. Rarely, the extra material may be attached to another chromosome (translocation).

What is the trisomy 13 in genetics?

Trisomy 13, also called Patau syndrome, is a chromosomal condition associated with severe intellectual disability and physical abnormalities in many parts of the body.

Can a baby live with trisomy 13?

It is difficult to predict the life expectancy of a baby with trisomy 13 if the baby does not have any immediate life-threatening problems. For babies that have survived their first 30 days of life, 47% were alive at one year. About 13% of children born with trisomy 13 survive until 10 years of age.

How do I know if my baby has trisomy 13?

A baby with trisomy 13 may have symptoms such as: Low birth weight. Small head with sloping forehead. Structural problems of the brain, such as the front of the brain not divided normally (holoprosencephaly)

Can trisomy 13 be prevented?

Researchers don’t know how to prevent the chromosome errors that cause these disorders. There is no reason to believe a parent can do anything to cause or prevent trisomy 13 or 18 in their child. If you are younger than 35, the risk of having a baby with trisomy 13 or 18 goes up slightly each year as you get older.

Does trisomy 13 show up on ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound during pregnancy can also show the possibility of trisomy 13 or 18. But ultrasound is not 100% accurate. Problems caused by trisomy 13 or 18 may not be seen with ultrasound. After birth, your baby may be diagnosed with a physical exam.

What is the life span for trisomy 13?

Trisomy 13 is a serious disorder. Most babies with trisomy 13 die within the first week, and the median lifespan is about 5 days. 2  About 10% live to their first birthday. Babies who weigh more at birth and who have a mosaic or partial trisomies may be more likely to survive.

Can someone with Trisomy 13 have a baby?

Although women of any age can have a child with trisomy 13, the chance of having a child with this condition increases as a woman gets older. Most cases of trisomy 13 result from having three copies of chromosome 13 in each cell in the body instead of the usual two copies.

How does a person inherit trisomy 13?

In most cases, trisomy 13 is not inherited. Trisomy 13 most often occurs because of a random mistake in the division of egg or sperm cells. However, trisomy 13 can be inherited if a parent has a rearrangement of chromosome material that involves chromosome 13.

What are the treatments for trisomy 13?

A supportive team approach for children with this disorder may be of benefit and may include physical therapy, medical, and/or social services. Genetic counseling will also be of benefit for families of children with Trisomy 13 Syndrome . Other treatment for this disorder is symptomatic and supportive.