718
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Letter to the Editor

Preconception genetic carrier screening: use and problems

Page 67 | Received 09 Jul 2016, Accepted 24 Aug 2016, Published online: 22 Sep 2016

The recent publications on preconception health and care are very interesting (Citation1). Indeed, the ethical issues are important concerns. The published article by Kihlbom focused upon preconception genetic screening with expanded panels, but it is only for one trait (Citation2). I would like to share the practice in my country on the screening of complex endemic genetic problems. In Thailand, genetic carrier screening for preconception thalassemia and hemoglobin disorders has been used for a long time, and it has become accepted as an important policy for management of these endemic hemoglobin disorders (Citation3). There are no problems as regards acceptance amongst the local people. Key factors might be the campaign for health education concerning the importance and seriousness of the disease and making people aware of the problems of the affected families in the community (Citation4).

References

  • Tyden T. Why is preconception health and care important? Ups J Med Sci. 2016 Aug 3:1. [Epub ahead of print]. doi:10.1080/03009734.2016.1211776.
  • Kihlbom U. Ethical issues in preconception genetic carrier screening. Ups J Med Sci. 2016. [Epub ahead of print]. doi:10.1080/03009734.2016.1189470.
  • Joob B, Wiwanitkit V. Genetic counseling for thalassemia screening in resource limited setting: a case study. Clin Lab. 2014;60:1421.
  • Jopang Y, Petchmark S, Jetsrisuparb A, Sanchaisuriya K, Sanchaisuriya P, Schelp FP. Community participation for thalassemia prevention initiated by village health volunteers in northeastern Thailand. Asia Pac J Public Health. 2015;27:NP2144–56.