Why do children suffer from Edwards syndrome?

Edwards syndrome implies the second most common (after Down syndrome) chromosomal disease, which is directly characterized by multiple defects of intrauterine development, as well as the lack of the formation of certain systems of internal organs. According to available statistics, the frequency of diagnosing this illness is approximately 1: 5000. In this article, we will talk in more detail about why the infection is caused by Edwards syndrome, and what are the main methods of its treatment.

general information

So, according to experts, due to numerous malformations in development, children with this diagnosis tend to die at an early age. Despite the fact that babies are born approximately on time, their motor activity is very low. Moreover, children with Edwards syndrome have virtually no physical or mental full development, as a result, boys die within the first ten days of life, and girls - within six months (rarely can live to one year).

Primary symptoms

The disease is characterized by such symptoms:

• Low body weight;
• Difficulty in swallowing;
• Delay in physical / mental development;
• Special appearance (wide nape, squeezed on the sides of the skull, small jaw, narrow eyes, deformed ears and limbs);
• Hypertrophy of the clitoris in girls;
• Anomaly of penis structure in boys.

Edwards Syndrome. Diagnostics

The definition of this disease is primarily to carry out special chromosome tests. Taking into account the fact that ultrasound is being done during the entire pregnancy of the future parturient, it is not always possible to determine the presence of this disease. So, Edwards syndrome on ultrasound can be revealed only indirectly, that is, by concomitant signs (for example, by the absence in the special canal of the so-called "umbilical artery", by the relatively small size of the placenta, etc.). In addition, literally in the first three months of bearing the fetus, as experts say, and it is impossible to detect any gross anomalies in the development of the fetus. This is why we are not talking about the artificial termination of pregnancy at an acceptable time for this. Most women, as a rule, Bear a fruit and give birth to children with Edwards syndrome in the period prescribed for this.

Treatment

Unfortunately, at the moment, doctors can not offer effective solutions to how to cure this disease. Almost 90% of Edwards' syndrome patients die in the first year of their life (about 30% in the first month). Those who manage to still survive, throughout their short existence constantly suffer from various kinds of somatic diseases, and also have a deep mental retardation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should be noted that today scientists are still trying to find the necessary cure for such an unpleasant problem, carrying out numerous studies in this area. However, so far, unfortunately, all efforts are in vain. Be healthy!