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Updated: Aug 6, 2025

FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Published on: February 23, 2011
A Neonatal Patient Diagnosed with Chromosome 18p 11.1 Microdeletion Syndrome Presented with Trisomy 18Like Phenotype
Deepa Banker1, Bhavdeep Mungala1, Zankhana Parekh1
1Department of Pediatrics, Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Insights
Microdeletion of the short arm of chromosome 18 (18p-) is a rare genetic disorder. This case highlights the earliest diagnosis of 18p- syndrome in a newborn, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach for complex malformations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- 18p- syndrome is a common chromosomal deletion disorder.
- Characterized by growth deficiency, hypotonia, microcephaly, and dysmorphic facial features.
Observation:
- A full-term newborn presented with low birth weight, cleft lip/palate, bilateral clubfoot, microcephaly, and atrial septal defect.
- The patient exhibited features consistent with 18p- syndrome.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of 18p- syndrome diagnosed neonatally.
- The patient's complex malformations necessitated a multidisciplinary management strategy.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of 18p- syndrome in newborns is crucial for timely intervention.
- A multidisciplinary approach improves management of associated complications.
- Further research into neonatal presentation of 18p- syndrome is warranted.
Abstract:
Microdeletion of the short arm of chromosome 18 is one of the most common chromosome deletion syndromes. Its estimated frequency is 1 in 50,000 live-born infants, with female prevalence over males. Around 150 cases have been described till now. The reported abnormalities include growth deficiency, hypotonia, microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features such as ptosis, epicanthal folds, hypertelorism and micrognathia, and relatively small hands and feet. Our patient was a full-term low birth weight (2150 gm) female newborn, showing cleft upper lip and palate (hard and soft palate), bilateral congenital Talipes Equinovarus with rocker bottom foot, microcephaly, atrial septal defect. She was initially conservatively managed with gavage feeding, then shifted into paladai feeding of expressed breast milk. A multidisciplinary approach was adopted due to various malformations and for the potential occurring complications. To our knowledge, this is the first case diagnosed during the neonatal period.
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