Consanguineous marriages or unions between close relatives are common in regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa. While it may be prevalent due to cultural or social reasons, it is also medically risky, especially for genetic disorders. When relatives marry, their shared genetic heritage increases the likelihood of passing on recessive disorders, potentially leading to severe health issues in their offspring.
What Is Consanguinity?
The word consanguinity is Latin for ‘common blood’. In clinical genetics, a consanguineous marriage is defined as one between second cousins or closer. “Consanguineous marriages increase the risk of transmitting genetic disease. Two people who are close relatives are more likely to carry the same recessive genes: a gene that does not cause a problem when inherited alone, but which can cause serious disease when inherited in a pair,” said Dr Chirag Bhandari, Founder of Institute of Andrology and Sexual Health (IASH).
The Genetic Risks Of Consanguineous Marriages
“One of the most serious consequences of consanguineous marriages is the increased risk of autosomal recessive disorders. In cousin marriages, the likelihood of this is much greater than in non-consanguineous unions because of their shared gene pool,” said Dr Bhandari.
Credits:Narang Medical Limited
Common genetic disorders linked to consanguineous marriages include:
Thalassemia
A severe blood disorder that triggers anaemia, necessitates regular transfusions and substantially diminishes quality of life.
Cystic Fibrosis
A genetic condition affecting lung function and other organs, resulting in breathing and digestive issues.
Sickle Cell Anaemia
A blood condition where red blood cells are abnormally shaped, causing pain, anaemia, and organ problems.
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Psychological And Developmental Risks
“In addition to physical disorders, consanguinity may also elevate the risk of mental health problems. Studies show that children from consanguineous unions are more likely to suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and conditions such as schizophrenia may be more frequent among their offspring,” said Dr Bhandari.
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Preventive Measures: The Role Of Genetic Counselling
Credits:Vaughan Relationship Centre
To mitigate genetic risks, couples planning consanguineous marriage should undergo genetic counselling before conception. Also, prenatal testing and cutting-edge fertility treatments can identify and prevent hereditary disorders, ensuring healthier offspring.
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