20/9/96

Can you supply any information regarding 18q - syndrome (long arm 18 deletion syndrome). Can it be hereditory ? If so, how can it be tested for if both parents' chromosomes are normal? Has it ever been documented as occurring after a raised alpha fetum test (for spina bifida) done in the 14th/16th week of pregnancy? We are not medical people, and are enquiring concerning a grandchild aged six weeks with this diagnosis.

Perhaps you can refer us to an information source. Apparent patient location: South Africa (near Johannesburg)