What kinds of treatments are available and how effective are they?
Most of the children with this disorder need a diuretic and digoxin for congestive heart failure. Other treatments for the cardiac problems include cardiac surgery. About 82% of patients that undergo the cardiac surgery leave with better symptoms. Patients with Trisomy 18 also receive Neonatal intensive car or NICU management. Patients also need nasogastric and gastrostomy supplements for their feeding problems. Infections like respiratory and urinary tract infections are treated as appropriate.
What is the long term effect/life expectancy?
Babies that are born with Trisomy 18 normally don't life past their first year of life. Less than 10% of babies will survive through their first birthdays. About 50% of babies who carry this disorder are stillborn. Baby boys have higher stillbirth rates and mortality rates than girls. A very small number of adults around their twenties are still living. There is no cure for Trisomy 18, there is only ways to delay and create more comfort and a better life. They must live with constant assistance and they cannot live independently. The life of Trisomy 18 is full of constant treatments and assistance. Even if you live, you wont be able to live your life without the help of medicine and assistance from machines and nurses.
Most of the children with this disorder need a diuretic and digoxin for congestive heart failure. Other treatments for the cardiac problems include cardiac surgery. About 82% of patients that undergo the cardiac surgery leave with better symptoms. Patients with Trisomy 18 also receive Neonatal intensive car or NICU management. Patients also need nasogastric and gastrostomy supplements for their feeding problems. Infections like respiratory and urinary tract infections are treated as appropriate.
What is the long term effect/life expectancy?
Babies that are born with Trisomy 18 normally don't life past their first year of life. Less than 10% of babies will survive through their first birthdays. About 50% of babies who carry this disorder are stillborn. Baby boys have higher stillbirth rates and mortality rates than girls. A very small number of adults around their twenties are still living. There is no cure for Trisomy 18, there is only ways to delay and create more comfort and a better life. They must live with constant assistance and they cannot live independently. The life of Trisomy 18 is full of constant treatments and assistance. Even if you live, you wont be able to live your life without the help of medicine and assistance from machines and nurses.