GENETIC-COUNSELING IN BETA THALASSEMIA IN FERRARA

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (2) , 97-104
Abstract
The effects of retrospective and prospective genetic counseling were studied in the Ferrara [Italy] area, where the gene for .beta.- thalassemia has polymorphic frequency. Retrospective genetic counseling may have an effect in influencing the retrospective behavior of couples who already have a child with Cooley''s anemia. If the child is at a later birth order, reproduction may be terminated; if it is at an early birth order, it is continued so that reproductive compensation takes place. In prospective counseling, given after population screening, it was found that the individuals identified as heterozygotes know, in a large percentage, what their state is and what its possible reproductive consequences are. The effect of such knowledge is not significanct in influencing the marriage choice of heterozygotes.