What is edwards syndrome?

Early Chromosome DX: Dr edwards reported of the features of trisomy 18 in 1960 in the british journal the lancet. Drs patau & smith reported it in the same journal edition but the name edward syndrome has stuck. This was soon after the methods for preparing & counting chromosomes was available in research labs starting in the late 1950's.

Edwards Syndrome: Trisomy 18 - chromosomal condition in 1/5,000 to 6,000 live births due to random events while egg or sperm form.Usually not inherited. 5 to 10% live past 12 months. May have small jaw, mouth & head, low-set ears, short sternum, heart defects, low birth wt, clenched fists, contracted joints, seizures, scoliosis, spina bifida, high BP, cleft palate & lip, hearing loss & mental retardation.