Children’s health & parents related by blood – advice for all

What is consanguinity?
Consanguinity refers to relationships between blood relatives e.g. first cousins which is common in a number of different cultures.

Families from all communities can be affected by genetic disorders. We know more about genetics today than we used to, so it is right that we have access to information and services if we need them.

What are the health risks associated with consanguinity?
There are many health problems associated with genes, but in infant health there is particular concern with problems caused by recessive genes. Common examples of these types of conditions include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, thalassaemia and some neurological and metabolic diseases. For conditions caused by recessive genes, the risk is higher in families with a marriage to a close relative, e.g. a cousin, as it’s more likely they both carry the same gene.

It is important to note that most children born to cousins are healthy and unaffected but babies born to parents who have the same recessive gene are at a higher risk of being born with an inherited health problem. The MSB seeks to raise awareness of this issue in order to reduce the incidence of related disabilities.

Concerned about genetic risk?
In the first instance, speak to your GP for support and guidance.

If you are still concerned, you could ask for a referral to a genetic counsellor will be able to give a more rounded picture about your risk of genetic problems and what your choices are around this. Genetics affect us all, the more we understand the issues and the risks, the more we will be able to make informed choices.

• The Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine (MCGM) is based at St. Mary’s Hospital – visit their website at www.mangen.org.uk

Useful Links:

• NHS Choices – information about genes on their website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/genetics
• Genetic Alliance UK – provide information and support to families and individuals with genetic conditions on their website at www.geneticalliance.org.uk
• Contact – find support for families with disabled children on their website at www.cafamily.org.uk