Genetic Counseling
Definition: A process of communication and education
which deals with estimating the risk of developing and/or transmitting a
genetic disorder.
Goals of
Genetic Counseling:
The consultand الذى يطلب الاستشارة should be provided
with information and support which enables him to understand:
1.
The medical diagnosis
and its consequences as: prognosis and possible treatment.
2.
Mode of inheritance of the disorder and the risk of developing
or transmitting it.
3.
To make their own decisions about choices or options
available for managing a particular disease and those for dealing with genetic
testing and reproduction and the following risks.:
ü Recurrence risk in future children
ü Recurrence risk in near relatives
ü Recurrence risk in children of unaffected
brothers & sisters
A primary goal of
genetic counselling is to provide information to allow for greater autonomy and
choice in reproductive decisions and other areas of personal life. Avoiding additional cases of genetic
disease in a family may be a consequence of genetic counselling but is not the
primary aim.
Indications
1.
Maternal age > 35 years
2.
Known or suspected hereditary condition in the family
3.
Hx of child with birth defect or MR
4.
Hx of recurrent abortion
5.
Exposure to known or suspected teratogens
6.
consanguinity