Genetic Disorders and the Fetus

A revised and updated version of this textbook which provides in-depth critical analysis in prenatal diagnosis of genetic and other disorders. Topics covered include: fragile X syndrome; cystic fibrosis; neural tube defects; haemoglobinopathies; techniques of amniocentesis; and ultrasound.

---

This is a revised and updated version of a textbook which provides in-depth critical analysis in prenatal diagnosis of genetic and other disorders. Topic covered include: fragile X syndrome; cystic fibrosis; neural tube defects; haemoglobinopathies; techniques of amniocentesis; ultrasound; chorionic villus sampling; foetal blood sampling; abortion and foetal therapy; and medico-legal and ethical issues in prenatal diagnosis. The book also describes the use of combined biochemical markers to screen for neural tube and chromosomal defects, presents developments relating to testing foetal cells in the mother's blood, and reviews major advances in molecular genetics that permit prenatal carrier detection and presymptomatic and predictive testing.