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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ibnanv" data-source="post: 12481548" data-attributes="member: 218596">DUBAI — New genetic tests that can indicate   complications in the embryo such as thalassemia and Down Syndrome as   early as 11-14 weeks into pregnancy has enabled parents in the UAE to   make an informed choice. [FONT=&quot]Mothers-to-be  have been urged to  consider detailed pre-natal genetic screening and  testing to rule out  abnormalities in their unborn child as well as  identify any potential  future health risks. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]Thalassemia, a chronic blood disorder, is one of the most common genetic complications affecting the local population. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]‘As  per the Islamic Shariah, the soul  enters the human body at 120 days (18  weeks) after conception,’  explains Dr Afshin PourMirza, Managing  Director of Fetal Medicine and  Genetic Center (FMGC) located at Dubai  Healthcare City. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]‘The  new tests make it possible to  carry out placenta sampling before the 18  weeks and, in case, there is a  problem with the fetus, parents can  choose to terminate the pregnancy,  but only as the last option,’ he  says. The UAE, however, does not  allow abortion unless the mother’s life  is in danger. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]The  test known as Chorionic Villus  sampling, or CVS, is a prenatal test  that can often detect genetic  abnormalities and chromosomal disorders.  The test can identify  thalassemia, cystic fibrosis and even chromosomal  abnormalities like  Down Syndrome. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]The  centre started operating 10 years  ago and now sees up to 700 patients  per month. Last week, the centre  celebrated the visit of its 20,000th visitor. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]Dr  Afshin, however, makes it clear  that their duty is only to diagnose.  ‘We are not muftis. As doctors,  our duty is to diagnose and show all  options to the couple while  leaving the final decision to them,’ he  says. ‘We have to tell them,  however, that there might be bigger  problems after the baby is born,’  adds Dr Afshin. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]Though  most babies are found to be  healthy, a number of them suffers from the  ‘blue baby syndrome’, the  commonest genetic malfunction in newborns. In  every 10,000 babies born,  two per cent have heart problems while another  two to three have other  kinds of genetic abnormalities, explains the  expert. [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]‘Everyday,  we see 2-3 babies born with  holes in their hearts but there is no need  to worry since 90 per cent  of the holes can be closed right after birth  while 10 per cent can be  done until five years of age.’ [/FONT]  [FONT=&quot]According  to the doctor, screening is  the first step. ‘Only if the physician  feels that a woman requires  detailed testing, genetic testing is done at  later stages of  pregnancy.’ This will include detailed organ scanning  to assess the  embryo development.<a href="http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2012/April/theuae_April308.xml&section=theuae" target="_blank">http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2012/April/theuae_April308.xml&section=theuae</a>[/FONT]</blockquote>

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