What is the Difference Between Down Syndrome and Edward Syndrome?

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Down syndrome and Edward syndrome are both genetic disorders due to the presence of extra chromosomes, but they differ in the specific chromosomes involved and the severity of the symptoms.

Down Syndrome:

  • Caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, also known as trisomy 21.
  • Affects development and intellectual abilities, but the severity varies among individuals.
  • Some individuals with Down syndrome can live semi-independently and enjoy a good quality of life.
  • Occurs in 10 out of every 10,000 births.

Edward Syndrome:

  • Caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 18, also known as trisomy 18.
  • Causes severe intellectual disabilities and various physical abnormalities, such as heart defects, cleft lip or cleft palate, and malformations of the hands and feet.
  • Most children with Edwards syndrome have a severe heart defect.
  • Survival beyond the neonatal period is uncommon, with only around 13% of babies born alive surviving.
  • Occurs in 3 out of every 10,000 births.

In summary, the main difference between Down syndrome and Edward syndrome lies in the specific chromosomes involved and the severity of the symptoms. While individuals with Down syndrome can have varying levels of intellectual disabilities and some can lead semi-independent lives, those with Edward syndrome typically have more severe intellectual disabilities and face higher mortality rates.

Comparative Table: Down Syndrome vs Edward Syndrome

Down Syndrome and Edward Syndrome are both genetic disorders caused by the presence of extra chromosomes. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

Feature Down Syndrome Edward Syndrome
Also Known As Trisomy 21 Trisomy 18
Cause Extra copy of chromosome 21 Extra copy of chromosome 18
Extra Copy of Chromosome Complete or partial Complete
Prevalence Affects about 1 in 691 births Affects about 1 in 1,100 pregnancies
Maternal Age Correlation Strong correlation with incidence Strong correlation with incidence
Mental Retardation Common clinical feature Common clinical feature
Physical Characteristics Some of the physical characteristics include a small skull (microcephaly), small ears, wide-set and slanted eyes, flattened nose, and hypotonia (floppy muscle tone) Some of the physical characteristics include a small skull (microcephaly), malformations of the hands and feet, including missing thumbs, and cleft lip or cleft palate
Survival Many people with Down syndrome live to be 60 and over Survival beyond the neonatal period is uncommon

Both Down Syndrome and Edward Syndrome have a strong correlation with maternal age and mental retardation as common clinical features.