Question
In in vitro fertilization, an embryo was found to have abnormalities on the 5th and 18th chromosomes. Which of these chromosome abnormalities is more severe?
Answer
Both the 5th and 18th chromosome abnormalities are considered to be quite serious. The genetic condition resulting from partial deletion of the 5th chromosome, known as cri du chat syndrome, typically presents with distinctive features such as a wide distance between the eyes and low-set ears, along with severe intellectual disability and developmental delay, predominantly affecting females. Trisomy of the 18th chromosome leads to malformations of mesodermal derivatives such as bones, the urinary and genital systems, and the heart.