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Trisomy 13

Patau syndrome

Trisomy 13 (also called Patau syndrome) is a genetic disorder in which a person has 3 copies of genetic material from chromosome 13, instead of the usual 2 copies. Rarely, the extra material may be attached to another chromosome (translocation).

Causes

Trisomy 13 occurs when extra DNA from chromosome 13 appears in some or all of the body's cells.

  • Trisomy 13: the presence of an extra (third) chromosome 13 in all of the cells.
  • Mosaic trisomy 13: the presence of an extra chromosome 13 in some of the cells.
  • Partial trisomy 13: the presence of a part of an extra chromosome 13 in the cells.

The extra material interferes with normal development.

Trisomy 13 occurs in about 1 out of every 10,000 newborns. Most cases are not passed down through families (inherited). Instead, the events that lead to trisomy 13 occur in either the sperm or the egg that forms the fetus.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Exams and Tests

The infant may have a single umbilical artery at birth. There are often signs of congenital heart disease, such as:

Gastrointestinal x-rays or ultrasound may show rotation of the internal organs.

MRI or CT scans of the head may reveal a problem with the structure of the brain. The problem is called holoprosencephaly. It is the joining together of the 2 sides of the brain.

Chromosome studies show trisomy 13, trisomy 13 mosaicism, or partial trisomy. Rarely, the extra material may be attached to another chromosome (translocation).

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for trisomy 13. Treatment varies from child to child and depends on the specific symptoms.

Support Groups

More information and support for people with Trisomy 13 condition and their families can be found at:

Outlook (Prognosis)

More than 90% of children with trisomy 13 die in the first year.

Possible Complications

Complications begin almost immediately. Most infants with trisomy 13 have congenital heart disease.

Complications may include:

  • Breathing difficulty or lack of breathing (apnea)
  • Deafness
  • Feeding problems
  • Heart failure
  • Seizures
  • Vision problems

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you have had a child with trisomy 13 and you plan to have another child. Genetic counseling can help families understand the condition, the risk of inheriting it, and how to care for the person.

Prevention

Trisomy 13 can be diagnosed before birth by amniocentesis with chromosome studies of the amniotic cells.

Parents of infants with trisomy 13 that is caused by a translocation should have genetic testing and counseling. This may help them be aware of the chances of having another child with the condition.

Open References

References

Bacino CA, Lee B. Cytogenetics. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.

Madan-Khetarpal S, Arnold G, Ortiz D. Genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center website. Trisomy 13. rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7341/trisomy-13. Updated February 2023. Accessed October 17, 2023.

  • Polydactyly - an infant's hand

    Polydactyly - an infant's hand - illustration

    Extra digits may be present as an isolated finding, or they may occur as part of a syndrome, in which case other abnormalities are usually present.

    Polydactyly - an infant's hand

    illustration

  • Polydactyly - an infant's hand

    Polydactyly - an infant's hand - illustration

    Extra digits may be present as an isolated finding, or they may occur as part of a syndrome, in which case other abnormalities are usually present.

    Polydactyly - an infant's hand

    illustration

 

Review Date: 9/18/2023

Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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