Genetic Background
Edwards Syndrome happens at conception. Usually the child gets 23 chromosomes from his mother and 23 from his father for a total of 46 chromosomes. However, a child with Edwards syndrome has three #18 chromosomes instead of the normal two. This is caused by an error in cell division, known as meiotic disjunction. This happens in the mother’s eggs 90% of the time, but it can happen to males too. The genetic material from the extra eighteenth chromosome can cause a variety of problems.
In most cases this disorder is not inherited. However, Partial Trisomy 18, a type of Edwards Syndrome, can be inherited. It is when a person who shows no signs of Trisomy 18 carries a rearrangement of genetic material between chromosome 18 and another chromosome. People who have Partial Trisomy 18, even though they show no signs or symptoms, are at a higher risk to have children with this disorder.
In most cases this disorder is not inherited. However, Partial Trisomy 18, a type of Edwards Syndrome, can be inherited. It is when a person who shows no signs of Trisomy 18 carries a rearrangement of genetic material between chromosome 18 and another chromosome. People who have Partial Trisomy 18, even though they show no signs or symptoms, are at a higher risk to have children with this disorder.