What are the common findings in trisomy 18?
Infants born with Trisomy 18 are often small for their gestational age, and have altered gestational timing with approximately one third being premature, and one third of these babies being post mature. These infants often had feeble fetal activity and a weak cry at birth. The back part of the head may be prominent, and many of these babies have a clenched fist with a particular pattern of overlapping fingers Heart defects are also common, and many other organ systems can be affected. Mental retardation is severe, and the average lifespan of these children is severely compromised.
