Generality
Trisomy 13, or Patau syndrome, is a "genetic abnormality characterized by the presence - in the cells of the body - of three copies of chromosome 13.
The disease is due to a genetic error that can occur both before and shortly after conception. It is a very serious condition, which often determines the death of the newborn in the prenatal phase or after about 7 days from birth; in fact, cases of children who survive over a year are very rare.
The symptoms and signs of Patau's syndrome are numerous and consist of various physical alterations, of the nervous system, of the respiratory system and / or of the heart.
In addition to birth, thanks to today's instruments, the diagnosis can also take place in the prenatal phase.
Unfortunately, like any congenital genetic anomaly, there is no cure that can restore the altered chromosomal heritage.
