Patau syndrome/Trisomy 13
Trisomy 13 occurs when extra DNA from chromosome 13 appears in some or all of the body’s cells. This abnormal chromosome count interferes with development of certain organs such as the heart and kidneys. Similar to all nondisjunction defects (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome), there is an increased likelihood for this syndrome when the mother is older, 31 years old average.
Symptoms:
- Cleft lip/palate
- Close set eyes (severe cases include Cyclopia)
- Extra fingers/toes (polydactyly)
- Hernias
- Clenched hands
- Low set ears
- Skeletal abnormalities
- Seizures
- Coloboma (cleft in the iris)
- Mental retardation
