Premium
Genetic aspects of prenatal diagnosis
Author(s) -
Connor J. M.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of inherited metabolic disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1573-2665
pISSN - 0141-8955
DOI - 10.1007/bf01799288
Subject(s) - pregnancy , medicine , prenatal diagnosis , genetic testing , neural tube , advanced maternal age , genetic counseling , neural tube defect , identification (biology) , family history , fetus , obstetrics , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , biology , genetics , surgery , embryo , botany
Summary With improved control of environmental agents, genetic conditions are now a major cause of residual handicap and mortality in all age groups. Primary prevention of this diverse group of over 5000 distinct disorders is not yet possible and effective therapy is, as yet, available for very few. Hence, the present emphasis on prevention is directed towards the identification and testing of pregnancies at risk in order to allow the option of early selective termination of pregnancy. Although over 400 distinct conditions have already been successfully prenatally diagnosed, the identification of at‐risk pregnancies on the basis of a positive family history alone can identify only a minority of affected pregnancies. In contrast, genetic screening during (or before) pregnancy offers a real prospect for detection of a majority of affected pregnancies and hence for reducing the birth frequency of serious genetic conditions. This is exemplified by the impact of the maternal serum α‐fetoprotein screening programme for neural tube defects and is under active development for autosomal aneuploidies and certain other major congenital malformations. These screening programmes will result in a reduced frequency of mental and physical handicap in the community but their implementation will require a comprehensive team approach with supraregional (or national) funding and co‐ordination.