New genetic tests can spot risks early in pregnancy

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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.

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Wed 11 Apr 2012, 11:33 AM

Last updated: Wed 25 Oct 2023, 8:47 AM

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.

Thalassemia, a chronic blood disorder, is one of the most common genetic complications affecting the local population.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

“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.” 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.