Acceptance of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for beta-thalassemia in Lebanese women with previously affected children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess the rate of acceptance of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis in Lebanese women with previously affected children with homozygous beta-thalassemia.


METHODS
Women with a previously affected child attending a non governmentally funded thalassemia care center between 1 June 2005 and 31 May 2007 were offered a genetic counseling session. This was followed by administering a questionnaire through direct interview.


RESULTS
All 97 women approached accepted to participate in the study (100% response rate). Sixty eight per cent of women considered PGD a better alternative to prenatal diagnosis. The most important perceived advantage of PGD was the avoidance of termination of an affected pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
PGD is an acceptable alternative to conventional prenatal diagnosis in women at risk of conceiving a child affected with beta-thalassemia. This is particularly true in countries of the Middle-East where therapeutic abortions for fetal indications are prohibited by the law and religion.
Farra
Chantal
C
Genetics Laboratories, Chronic Care Center, Hazmieh, Lebanon.
Nassar
Anwar H
AH
Usta
Ihab M
IM
Salameh
Pascale
P
Souaid
Mirna
M
Awwad
Johnny
J
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D011247:Pregnancy; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis*