Changing Clinical Presentations and Survival Pattern in Trisomy 18

• Main Authors: Chien-Chou Hsiao (Author), Lon-Yen Tsao (Author), Hsiao-Neng Chen (Author), Han-Yao Chiu (Author), Weng-Cheng Chang (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2009-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1875-9572; 10.1016/S1875-9572(09)60053-X
• Keywords: clinical presentation; counseling; Edwards syndrome; survival; trisomy 18; Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: Pediatrics and Neonatology, Vol 50, Iss 4, Pp 147-151 (2009)

The clinical presentations and survival patterns of infants with trisomy 18 have changed with increasing utilization of prenatal ultrasound and amniocentesis, and improvements in neonatal intensive care. Methods: We obtained data on duration of survival, male to female ratio, and clinical details for patients with trisomy 18, and calculated the prevalence rate. Results: We studied 31 consecutive trisomy 18 infants. The estimated prevalence was 1/4,144. Eleven (35%) were premature infants, and 20 (65%) were full term. Mean birth weight was 1,896 g. Median life expectancy was 12 days; 11 days for males and 14 days for females (p = 0.87). The short-term survival rates of 1 week, 4 weeks, and 6 months were 58%, 32%, and 10%, respectively. The long-term survival rates of 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 6%, 6%, and 3%, respectively. Families signed do-not-resuscitate consent forms for five male (50%) and 19 female infants (90%) (p = 0.043). Conclusion: All trisomy 18 infants in this study were preterm or full-term deliveries. Mean birth weight was lower than previously reported, and a high percentage of families signed do-not-resuscitate consent forms. Females did not survive longer than males, due to more females not being resuscitated. Most infants died in the first few weeks of life, but 3-6% of infants lived for ≥ 1 year. The possibility of long-term survival should be considered when counseling parents regarding trisomy 18.