The term Trisomy describes the presence of an additional chromosome. Trisomy 13 is a chromosomal disorder that affects either all or a portion of the 13th chromosome. Each person is given a set of chromosomes, one from mom and the other from dad. During embryo development, the 13th chromosome takes on an additional set from either parent. This results in a set of three chromosomes. The severity of the abnormality associated with Trisomy 13 depends on the specific location and percentage of the duplicated cell in the 13th chromosome. These abnormalities can range from mild to severe, even death due to the complications with the extra chromosome. Some of the abnormalities range mental retardation (mild to severe), unusually small eyes,
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Evidence suggests that Trisomy 13 has a higher risk due to a mother’s maternal age. Some researchers have suggested that there is a possible connection between Trisomy 13 and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is brought on due an onset of hypertension (high blood pressure). The syndrome appears to affect females slightly more frequently than males and occurs in about one in 5,000 to 12,000 live births (National Organization for Rare Diseases, 2007). Chromosomal testing is essential in verifying the presence of a specific chromosomal abnormality. Some of these tests can range from an ultrasound to an amniocentesis. Especially, if there is a family history. Some parents will choose to terminate the pregnancy if a clear and obvious abnormality that would be too devastating or in most cases the child will not survive. Treatment for Trisomy depends on the type of correction needed within a specific abnormality. For example, in Trisomy 13 there is an abnormality that causes extra digits on the feet and hands. This can easily be corrected with surgery. Some of your more complex and life threatening abnormalities may either not be correctable or would need a team of specialists to try and correct the abnormality. Each individual with effects from Trisomy 13 may only have a slight disruption in the chromosome. Some individuals may have a wider range of complications. All cases are on an individual
Evidence suggests that Trisomy 13 has a higher risk due to a mother’s maternal age. Some researchers have suggested that there is a possible connection between Trisomy 13 and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is brought on due an onset of hypertension (high blood pressure). The syndrome appears to affect females slightly more frequently than males and occurs in about one in 5,000 to 12,000 live births (National Organization for Rare Diseases, 2007). Chromosomal testing is essential in verifying the presence of a specific chromosomal abnormality. Some of these tests can range from an ultrasound to an amniocentesis. Especially, if there is a family history. Some parents will choose to terminate the pregnancy if a clear and obvious abnormality that would be too devastating or in most cases the child will not survive. Treatment for Trisomy depends on the type of correction needed within a specific abnormality. For example, in Trisomy 13 there is an abnormality that causes extra digits on the feet and hands. This can easily be corrected with surgery. Some of your more complex and life threatening abnormalities may either not be correctable or would need a team of specialists to try and correct the abnormality. Each individual with effects from Trisomy 13 may only have a slight disruption in the chromosome. Some individuals may have a wider range of complications. All cases are on an individual