Edward's Syndrome is characterized by having an extra isochromosome on chromosome 18. This results in a stereotypical face and lots of other physical and health issues(7). This disorder is mainly caused by a protein called alpha-fetoprotein. When it is not balanced correctly with human-chorionic gonadotropin and unconjected estriol, it could lead to a high risk of Edward's Syndrome occuring (6).
Right now, there is no prevention or no environmental causes from this autosomal disorder, but it can be detected through amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, or cord blood sampling (1), (4). |
