Edward’s syndrome (also known as trisomy18/T18) is a chromosomal anomaly caused by the presence of an additional 18thchromosome in whole or in part. Babies with trisomy 18 are frequently born ti ny and fragile.

Symptoms

They have a slew of major shealth concerns and defined physical characteristics, such as:

Cleft lip and palate
Fists clenched with overlapping fingers that are difficult to straighten
Lung, kidney, and stomach/intestine defects
Alteredfoot posture and musculature (also known as "rocker-bottom feet"
because they resemble the bottom of a rocking chair)
Feeding issues
Heart defects, such as a hole between the upper (atrial septal defect) or lower
(ventricular septal defect) chambers of the heart
Significant developmental delays
Deformity of the chest
Slowing growth
Microcephaly (small head)
Micrognathia (small jaw)
Feeblecry
Cognitive and intellectual impairments
Breathing difficulty
Arthrogryposis (a muscle disorder that causes multiple joint contractures at birth)

Diagnosis

Prenatal ultrasound, albeit this is not a reliable method of diagnosis.
Blood test in 2nd trimester called the quad screen tetsting (tests for four genetic abnormalities)
Prenatal genetic testing done using amniotic fluid (amniocentesis) or the placenta (chorionic villus collection).

Therapy can improve the quality of life in these children and help in making them more independent and functional.
Having a kid with trisomy 18 can be emotionally draining for the parents as well, so it's critical for parents to seek the help needed .

Management at SNEH

OPD Nutrition for Feeding Issues
Physiotherapy for the cardiorespiratory and other muscular impairments
Neurodevelopmental and Sensory Integration treatment with a functional focus
Posture improvement
Foot muscular strengthening for rocker bottom correction
Therapy adjuncts as needed (paediatrician, psychologists, neurologists, Orthopedics, speech therapy)