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Changes in medical intervention over the last decade have improved outcomes for individuals with trisomy 18, the second most common human aneuploidy syndrome at birth. As children with trisomy 18 live longer, a shared concern of medical experts and parents is the occurrence and treatment of seizures. Previously published surveillance guidelines for this condition have not addressed seizure management. Using parent‐reported data collected as part of the Tracking Rare Incidence Syndromes project, we report on the prevalence, course, and management of seizures in individuals with trisomy 18. Twenty‐eight percent (52/186) of individuals diagnosed with trisomy 18 in our retrospective cohort experienced generalized, focal, or mixed seizures at some point in their lifetime. For many individuals, seizures were effectively managed by broad‐spectrum anti‐seizure medications. Correlation analysis showed that focal and generalized seizures were more likely to occur in individuals who had previously experienced infantile spasms or central apnea. Electroencephalogram testing should be considered as part of a standard screening approach in individuals with trisomy 18 to enable early diagnosis and treatment of seizures. An international registry that incorporates parent‐reported and clinical data for patients with trisomy 18 may facilitate ongoing research and recruitment into clinical trials for seizure management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) is the second most common autosomal trisomy after trisomy 21. Medical issues commonly include cardiac defects, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD). If untreated, these conditions can contribute to the associated infant mortality. The objective of the study was review parent-reported information on 84 cases with full trisomy 18 focusing on prenatal and postnatal assessment and confirmation of cardiac defects and on subsequent treatment with cardiac surgery and post-surgery outcomes. At birth, 65 parent responses indicated the presence of VSD (77.4%), 38 ASD (45.2%), and 50 patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (59.5%). The presence of multiple cardiac defects was also analyzed including 25 cases with VSD, ASD, and PDA at birth. The total reduced to 18 at survey completion. Twenty-four cases had one or more cardiac defects repaired for a total of 34 corrective surgeries. Age at surgery varied from 2 weeks to 41 months of age with most performed under 1 year of age. Twenty-one cases were still living at the time of survey completion (87.5%). From these date we provide recommendations and implications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 are conditions often referred to as 'incompatible with life' or 'lethal anomalies.' If there is long-term survival, the outlook is considered 'grim.' Developmental status is presumed to be minimal. Yet, Baty et al. [1994; 49:189-194] described a variety of developmental skills in their sample. An additional 22 children with trisomy 18 and eight with trisomy 13 are described here. A range of developmental skills is noted with strengths in the language and communication, gross and fine motor and social-emotional domains including indicating preferences, exploration of objects and a range of voluntary mobility. These results serve to expand the knowledge base on developmental status for these groups and advance the need to further explore developmental abilities rather than focus on deficits. Avenues for future research, implications, and recommendations are provided. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited literature exists on children and adults diagnosed with the mosaic form of trisomy 9. Data from the Tracking Rare Incidence Syndromes (TRIS) project has provided physical characteristics and medical conditions for 14 individuals. This article provides TRIS Survey results of 25 additional cases at two data points (birth and survey completion) as well as developmental status. Results confirmed a number of phenotypic features and medical conditions. In addition, a number of cardiac anomalies were reported along with feeding and respiratory difficulties in the immediate postnatal period. In addition, developmental status data indicated a range in functioning level up to skills in the 36 and 48-month range. Strengths were also noted across the sample in language and communication, fine motor and social-emotional development. Implications for professionals caring for children with this genetic condition are offered. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), identified by Patau and colleagues [1960; Lancet 1: 790-793] is the third most common autosomal condition. Population studies indicate less than one in 10 children reaches their first birthday. In the face of mixed findings and recommendations for treatment, additional research is needed to further determine what contributes to longevity and implications for treatment for presenting medical conditions. The purpose of the present study is to report on presenting medical conditions and the presence or absence of the specific conditions (age at survey completion). Data on nine survivors (seven female, two male) with trisomy 13 indicated mean gestational age of approximately 36 weeks, birth weight ranging from 1100 to 3290 g and mean length of 45.3 cm. Length of hospital stay after birth varied. The majority of infants presented with well-known physical characteristics. Medical conditions and their treatment varied at birth and at survey completion. Notably, several infants' cardiac anomalies resolved without surgical intervention. Surgeries were provided for a range of conditions including gastrostomy tube placement to address feeding issues and removal of intestinal blockage. There were no reports of holoprosencephaly. Implications and recommendations are provided. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to provide data about 22 survivors over the age of 1 year with full trisomy 18 (12-59 months). Mothers completed the online, mixed method Tracking Rare Incidence Syndrome (TRIS) Survey provides data on birth information (e.g., gestational age, birth weight) and medical conditions identified at birth and at the time of survey completion. Data indicate similar birth characteristics to other studies and presence of syndrome related medical conditions including cardiac conditions, use of a variety of feeding methods, apnea, respiratory difficulties, and kidney issues. Associated interventions, sometimes considered 'aggressive' or 'intensive' treatments including cardiac surgeries were noted in the sample. Implications for treatment are provided and the need for additional research with this clinical subgroup is needed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to provide data about long-term survivors with full trisomy 13 (t13). Mothers of 30 long-term survivors with full t13 completed an online survey. Survey data were downloaded into an SPSS database. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data. Tracking Rare Incidence Syndrome (TRIS) Survey data on survival, birth information including maternal and paternal age at conception, physical characteristics, and medical conditions were compared. Data indicate longer mean survival rates (48.4 months for those living at the time of data collection, 40.8 months for those who died prior) than described in the literature. Means for gestations age, birth weight, and length are 38.11 weeks, 2,789.34 g and 48.45 cm, respectively. Long-term survivors presented with syndrome-related physical characteristics (e.g., low-set ears, cleft lip and palate) and medical conditions (e.g., ventricular septal defect (VSD), feeding difficulties). We conclude that data indicate longer survival and a range in birth information (gestational age, birth weight, and length) along with presence of common presenting physical characteristics and medical conditions of long-term survivors with full t13. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the available literature on individuals with trisomy 9 mosaicism focuses on reports concerning results of prenatal testing or fetal autopsy with limited reports of long-term survivors. Data from the Tracking Rare Incidence Syndromes (TRIS) project offer the largest series to date examining the presenting physical characteristics and medical conditions at birth for 14 individuals. Results indicated the presence of low set ears and microcephaly for some children in the sample. Cardiac anomalies were reported along with feeding and respiratory difficulties in the immediate postnatal period. In addition, developmental status data indicated a wide range in functioning level with examples of demonstrated skills provided. Implications for professionals caring for patients with trisomy 9 mosaicism are offered. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]