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Intermarriage 'major risk factor' in Peterborough child deaths

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Getting married to your cousin? Get yourself tested - Khaleej Times

Getting married to your cousin? Get yourself tested

Jasmine Al Kuttab
Filed on December 12, 2015 | Last updated on December 12, 2015 at 08.44 am
AR-312129846.jpg&MaxW=780&imageVersion=16by9&NCS_modified=20151212115534



Docs urge pre and post-marital testing to avoid genetic disorders in babies.

More couples in consanguineous marriages (marriages between relatives), are heavily relying on comprehensive fetal screening programmes to determine the health of their unborn child and to check whether the baby carries genetic disorders, say medical experts in the UAE.

As consanguineous marriages are more commonly found in the Middle East than in the West, it is crucial for couples to be cautious about the genetic inheritance disorders they may carry, as it could affect the life, or even the survival rate of their child.

Doctor Gowri Ramanathan, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Services, and Director of Fetal Medicine at Danat Al Emarat, told Khaleej Times she approximately carries out four thousand scans each year, to determine the health of the unborn baby.

However, she noted that genetic abnormalities that are caused by consanguineous marriages are relatively high in the Capital.

"Out of all the abnormalities that are due to genetic syndrome, the rate of consanguineous marriages are about 30 to 40 per cent," she said.

"Approximately 60 per cent of the Emirati population have consanguineous marriages," she added.

She pointed out that it's crucial to be tested during the first stages of the pregnancy, known as the embryogenesis period.

"If both parents carry traits of the gene then there is a one in four chance the baby will be affected."

Doctors in the UAE thus urge couples to have pre-marital testing, as well as testing the baby during pregnancy. Depending on the results, management can be planned; however there are certain abnormalities that mean the baby won't survive.

"Genetic abnormality is a common case, which results in lethal risks and are often related to marriages between relatives. Abu Dhabi has a high rate of chromosomal genetic disorders due to this," she said.

She said that every pregnant woman should therefore be thoroughly assessed to see if there are potential chromosomal, genetic or structural abnormalities that may manifest themselves in the future.

"Some cases have lethal risks and therefore the baby dies during pregnancy, some die immediately after birth, and some survive but carry the disability throughout their lifetime."

Doctor Iyad Al Aqqad, from Al Mafraq Hospital's Pediatric Department, told Khaleej Times that 80 to 90 per cent of the genetic disorder cases that are diagnosed in the hospital are due to consanguineous marriages.

"Al Mafraq is located in Baniyas, which is a highly traditional area of the Capital, so it's very common to have marriages between relatives."

"Whenever we receive a child with a genetic disorder, there is an 80 to 90 per cent chance that the parents are either first or second degree relatives," he added.

Dr Al Aqqad pointed out that common cases also include inherited metabolic disorders.

"If we know it's inherited in the family we test the parents to know who is the force of the gene of the disorder, so we can determine if it will happen again."

He highlighted that not all parents know they carry the disease, as many diseases are often silent, and thus it is crucial to do a thorough testing prior to marriage.

Moreover, he said that it is crucial for couples to understand that there are different types of disorders, one known as the autosomal dominant, (one parents with abnormal gene), and the autosomal recessive, (abnormal gene in both parents).

"In consanguineous marriages, we mainly receive the autosomal recessive disorder and one of the most common genetic disorders in the UAE is thalassemia," he added.

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
 
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The practice is on its way out fast. The growing trend now is of marriages between Pakistani boys and girls who have met one another. In actual fact, I can't remember having been to a "cousin marriage" in many years, and I have attended dozens of Pakistan weddings, both in my family and outside.
I also agree that cousin marriages, especially the whole generational practice shouldn't happen.
We should spread ourselves wide and far. There is a population of 220 million worldwide, so no body should be short for choice.

Take a look at this;

Height of Pakistanis has fallen 4 inches over 50 years, say experts - The Express Tribune
 
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Muslims of South Asia had the same problem most women were veiled and stayed home away from sunshine and mostly married cousins.

Lack of sun exposure impacting reproduction - Khaleej Times

Lack of sun exposure impacting reproduction
Kelly Clarke /Dubai
Filed on November 29, 2015 | Last updated on November 29, 2015 at 07.30 am

Infertility specialist says age not just number when it comes to pregnancy.

The prevalence of consanguineous marriage in the UAE, coupled with its high incidence of vitamin D insufficiency among women is having a huge impact on infertility in the country.

Though a higher age in both males and females is commonly related to global infertility, in the UAE, it is women who are presenting most with issues in reproduction.

"Women in this region whose parents are first cousins have a reduced number of eggs when they are first born. This female offspring will have the reproductive age of someone 10-15 years older than what they are," Professor Human Fatemi from the specialised clinic for reproductive medicine, IVI, told Khaleej Times.

With 60 per cent of the marrying population in the UAE between first cousins, the impact on fertility is huge, he said.

"It's some of the daughters of this couple who has the problem, not the female of the marrying couple," he said.

From the age of zero to puberty - about 12-years-old - most girls carry about 300,000 eggs in their ovaries. But for the offspring of first cousins, that number is far less, Prof. Fatemi said. Globally, about one in six women experience problems with fertility.

In the UAE, the 2010 Dubai Health Authority (DHA) research report, 'The demand for fertility services in Dubai', puts today's infertility figures at about 150,000.

There are many attributing factors for this including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking and bad nutrition.

However, the second - and most surprising - cause of infertility in this country is a female's lack of Vitamin D.

Despite living in a climate where the sun shines all year round, local customs decrease a woman's exposure to the sun.

"Because it is so hot here, people tend to stay inside. When Emirati women do go outside they are covered up which reduces their exposure to the sun."

Prof Fatemi added that as per a planned observation conducted amongst patients visiting the IVI clinic, Abu Dhabi, the prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency is 100 per cent among Emirati women and many previous studies have proved a link between Vitamin D and ovarian reserves.

"In addition to sex steroid hormones, vitamin D also modulates reproductive processes in women and men. Vitamin D is a key component in processes involved in reproductive success."

In this region, Prof Fatemi said physicians tend to copy and paste knowledge of global infertility but it is vital we find out the cause of region-specific infertility.

"We simply need more research conducted within the country."

Of the patients Dr Fatemi treats in IVI Abu Dhabi, about 70-80 per cent are locals.

Don't waste your time

For Medical Director at Bourn Hall Clinic in Dubai, Dr David Robertson, if you're an advocate for parenthood - whether you achieve it through natural conception or the most cutting-edge of IVF methods, time is of the essence.

"Unfortunately, scientific evolution hasn't quite caught up with changes in today's social attitudes," he told Khaleej Times.

With more women in this region actively working in high-powered roles, this focus on a career is conflicting with childbearing.

Many are now choosing to start families later in life, but despite science providing a helping hand in some cases, a person's biology remains the most powerful tool when it comes to motherhood.

"Biologically, it is better to get pregnant in your twenties. But this shift in social attitudes is seeing the average age of motherhood increase. Naturally, this sees an increase in fertility issues."

As the age increases, the chances of getting pregnant goes down. For a woman aged 25, her chance of getting pregnant naturally is one in four monthly, he said. But for a woman aged forty, this drops to one in 20 chances per month.

"The average age of female patients in our clinic is 38-42 years. It has been scientifically proven that women over 35 significantly lower their chance of getting pregnant naturally compared to those under 35."

Though this doesn't mean women have to stay home and become mothers in their twenties, Dr Robertson said couples do need to be more aware of the challenges they face in getting pregnant as age increases.

But cases of infertility are higher in this region for several other reason too: the genetic implications of blood relative marriages, and the high rate of polycystic ovaries diagnoses among women.

"In the UAE, cases of polycystic ovaries are high. The cause is often genetic as a result of blood marriages but being overweight also contributes towards this. As a result, fertility is affected."

Dr Robertson said he treats a mixed demographic of patients at his clinic.

About 50 per cent are Western expatriates and the remaining 50 per cent is made up of Emiratis, Arab expatriates and Asian expatriates. "The ratio of men facing problems with fertility compared to women is about 50/50 at our clinic."

But what was once a taboo subject in this region is now more openly discussed.

"Arab and Emirati residents in particular are becoming much more open to speaking about and dealing with a potential issue. I have seen attitudes change so much in my 25 years in this region."

Both men and women are now much more aware of the changes in their bodies, and they are more open to seeking the right help.

"Years ago, a newly married couple may have tried to get pregnant for a few years before seeking professional help. Nowadays, when the decision to start a family is made, couples immediately seek advice about how to best go about it."

For couples experiencing problems getting pregnant, Dr Robertson said the most important message is "do not waste time".

"In many cases it may just be a basic problem like not being familiar with your body clock. For couples with more complex issues, there are a variety of treatments like IVF."

kelly@khaleejtimes.com
 
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This has lot of reasons including: cousin marriages, adulterated food, increasing poverty as prices of food as has reached global level. The beef and mutton in Pakistan has nearly same price as in Canada with 10 times higher per capita income.

That is indeed an important, albeit unsaid, consideration, in such unions.

The sickly ant low IQ children from this consanguineous marriages will lose their inheritance.
 
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Intermarriage 'major risk factor' in Peterborough child deaths - BBC News

Intermarriage 'major risk factor' in Peterborough child deaths
Image caption A cultural tradition from north Pakistan of inter-family marriages has taken hold in Peterborough, according to experts
Almost a third of children of Asian ethnicity who died in a six-year period in Peterborough had parents related other than by marriage, according to a report.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Child Death Overview Panel said the deaths of 36 children from the ethnic group were reported between 2008 and 2014.

In 30% of cases the parents were related.

The deaths were due to congenital abnormalities.
'Cultural condition'
In 2013 it was revealed the number of babies born with birth defects in Bradford was nearly double the national average, largely because of marriages between first cousins in the Pakistani community.

Last month it was announced that school pupils in Slough were being taught about the importance of genetic testing in response to babies being born with rare birth defects.

Fifteen babies under the age of one died in Slough between 2012 and 2013, including seven from "chromosomal, genetic, and congenital" anomalies.

It is believed the deaths were linked to intermarriage in some communities.

The age range of the children who died in Peterborough was not specified.

One GP in Peterborough, who asked to remain anonymous, told the BBC she had been threatened with a knife and patients also tried to bribe her to keep concerns about inter-family relations to herself.

Henrietta Ewart, Peterborough's former director of public health, said the issue in the area seems to originate from north Pakistan.

She said: "There is a cultural tradition which is known as watta satta. The strongest driver for that marriage is around maintaining land holdings and other property within an extended family group. The argument is that it helps family cohesion.

"Often, where the marriages are arranged and a bridal groom is coming in from the villages, it's possible that even if the law was changed to make cousin marriages illegal, because of the documentation issues it might not always be possible to identify and prevent."

"A legal approach would be a sledgehammer to crack a nut," she added.
there is sayng of Hazrat Umer RA when he saw people who were weak and then he ordered them to marry outside family and there was same sying in this saying or another that do not marry 3 cousins merriages ccontineuosly well i am rminding them to be Prophets SAW or Umer RA sayings try to check it on urself i have a weak memory
 
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The sickly ant low IQ children from this consanguineous marriages will lose their inheritance.

No Sir. They get elected and appointed to the highest positions and posts in the land of the pure. :D
 
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No Sir. They get elected and appointed to the highest positions and posts in the land of the pure.

They probably are shorter and rounder with low IQ.

Height of Pakistanis has fallen 4 inches over 50 years, say experts - The Express Tribune

The Express Tribune > Pakistan
Height of Pakistanis has fallen 4 inches over 50 years, say experts
By Shamsul Islam
Published: May 7, 2012
375257-shortpakistan-1336398238-712-640x480.jpg

Cousin marriages, malnutrition have led to height decrease, reveals Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.

FAISALABAD: The average height of Pakistanis has fallen four inches over the last 50 years due to malnourishment and food deficiency.

This was revealed in a workshop on “Applied Nature Need Based research Projects of Food Industries” organized by National Institute of Food Science & Technology (NIFSAT) University of Agriculture, Faisalabad here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, UAF Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, said that cousin marriages were also one of the reasons for the short stature of Pakistanis. He urged the need for new diet packages to be introduced for balanced, affordable food.

Dr Iqrar also expressed concerns over existing eating habits, saying 50 years ago, large amounts of corn flour was traditionally consumed, but over time, Pakistanis had lost the mechanism to cook roti with corn flour, which was a cheaper, healthier staple food item.

Dr Iqrar revealed that a BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Food Engineering degree was being initiated for the first time in the country. He hoped that by introducing new disciplines, a trained human resource would be available for the food industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehboob Aly Manji, President, VITA Pakistan stressed the need to exploit the indigenous food potential by introducing fruits drinks such as Falsa, Luqat and Jaman. He said that floriculture practices could be most beneficial in uplifting the living standards of small farmers. Manji said Pakistan was exporting 80-90 tons of flowers to Saudi Arabia every year, and this volume could be increased by promoting and incentivizing floriculture.

Professor Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum, Director General (NIFSAT) said that Nestle Pakistan and VITA Food have signed MOU’s to promote skill development initiatives through short courses.

“NIFSAT has conducted 12 national and international symposia, seminars and workshops during the last year with the collaboration of industries,” he added.

Dr Muhammad Shafique Ch. Director, RAMNA Food, Lahore stressed the need for a value addition mechanism, keeping in view the demand of consumers.

He expressed his concerns over the Punjab government’s decision to purchase 2.5 million ton of wheat this year, given that 4.5 million tons of wheat was stored in the province.
 
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They probably are shorter and rounder with low IQ.

Height of Pakistanis has fallen 4 inches over 50 years, say experts - The Express Tribune

The Express Tribune > Pakistan
Height of Pakistanis has fallen 4 inches over 50 years, say experts
By Shamsul Islam
Published: May 7, 2012
375257-shortpakistan-1336398238-712-640x480.jpg

Cousin marriages, malnutrition have led to height decrease, reveals Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.

FAISALABAD: The average height of Pakistanis has fallen four inches over the last 50 years due to malnourishment and food deficiency.

This was revealed in a workshop on “Applied Nature Need Based research Projects of Food Industries” organized by National Institute of Food Science & Technology (NIFSAT) University of Agriculture, Faisalabad here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, UAF Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, said that cousin marriages were also one of the reasons for the short stature of Pakistanis. He urged the need for new diet packages to be introduced for balanced, affordable food.

Dr Iqrar also expressed concerns over existing eating habits, saying 50 years ago, large amounts of corn flour was traditionally consumed, but over time, Pakistanis had lost the mechanism to cook roti with corn flour, which was a cheaper, healthier staple food item.

Dr Iqrar revealed that a BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Food Engineering degree was being initiated for the first time in the country. He hoped that by introducing new disciplines, a trained human resource would be available for the food industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehboob Aly Manji, President, VITA Pakistan stressed the need to exploit the indigenous food potential by introducing fruits drinks such as Falsa, Luqat and Jaman. He said that floriculture practices could be most beneficial in uplifting the living standards of small farmers. Manji said Pakistan was exporting 80-90 tons of flowers to Saudi Arabia every year, and this volume could be increased by promoting and incentivizing floriculture.

Professor Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum, Director General (NIFSAT) said that Nestle Pakistan and VITA Food have signed MOU’s to promote skill development initiatives through short courses.

“NIFSAT has conducted 12 national and international symposia, seminars and workshops during the last year with the collaboration of industries,” he added.

Dr Muhammad Shafique Ch. Director, RAMNA Food, Lahore stressed the need for a value addition mechanism, keeping in view the demand of consumers.

He expressed his concerns over the Punjab government’s decision to purchase 2.5 million ton of wheat this year, given that 4.5 million tons of wheat was stored in the province.

WTF??? That can't be true.. Can it?? I don't see any other source for this other than news articles. Any scientific publications or survey details to confirm this? 4 inches is quite significant actually.
 
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They probably are shorter and rounder with low IQ.

Height of Pakistanis has fallen 4 inches over 50 years, say experts - The Express Tribune

The Express Tribune > Pakistan
Height of Pakistanis has fallen 4 inches over 50 years, say experts
By Shamsul Islam
Published: May 7, 2012
375257-shortpakistan-1336398238-712-640x480.jpg

Cousin marriages, malnutrition have led to height decrease, reveals Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.

FAISALABAD: The average height of Pakistanis has fallen four inches over the last 50 years due to malnourishment and food deficiency.

This was revealed in a workshop on “Applied Nature Need Based research Projects of Food Industries” organized by National Institute of Food Science & Technology (NIFSAT) University of Agriculture, Faisalabad here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, UAF Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, said that cousin marriages were also one of the reasons for the short stature of Pakistanis. He urged the need for new diet packages to be introduced for balanced, affordable food.

Dr Iqrar also expressed concerns over existing eating habits, saying 50 years ago, large amounts of corn flour was traditionally consumed, but over time, Pakistanis had lost the mechanism to cook roti with corn flour, which was a cheaper, healthier staple food item.

Dr Iqrar revealed that a BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Food Engineering degree was being initiated for the first time in the country. He hoped that by introducing new disciplines, a trained human resource would be available for the food industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehboob Aly Manji, President, VITA Pakistan stressed the need to exploit the indigenous food potential by introducing fruits drinks such as Falsa, Luqat and Jaman. He said that floriculture practices could be most beneficial in uplifting the living standards of small farmers. Manji said Pakistan was exporting 80-90 tons of flowers to Saudi Arabia every year, and this volume could be increased by promoting and incentivizing floriculture.

Professor Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum, Director General (NIFSAT) said that Nestle Pakistan and VITA Food have signed MOU’s to promote skill development initiatives through short courses.

“NIFSAT has conducted 12 national and international symposia, seminars and workshops during the last year with the collaboration of industries,” he added.

Dr Muhammad Shafique Ch. Director, RAMNA Food, Lahore stressed the need for a value addition mechanism, keeping in view the demand of consumers.

He expressed his concerns over the Punjab government’s decision to purchase 2.5 million ton of wheat this year, given that 4.5 million tons of wheat was stored in the province.

Wow!!! this is really bad..But contrary to this few months back I read in an American based article I guess which states that people in Indian subcontinent have gained height... the average height in British era was 5'3" now it is 5'6" ....I really cannot remember whether they were speaking about Indians in particular or Indian subcontinent...I am searching for that link if I get it I will past it here....
 
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WTF??? That can't be true.. Can it?? I don't see any other source for this other than news articles. Any scientific publications or survey details to confirm this? 4 inches is quite significant actually.

Wow!!! this is really bad..But contrary to this few months back I read in an American based article I guess which states that people in Indian subcontinent have gained height... the average height in British era was 5'3" now it is 5'6" ....I really cannot remember whether they were speaking about Indians in particular or Indian subcontinent...I am searching for that link if I get it I will past it here....

This was probably a unscientific study. A university professor may measure the height of his first year students in his class every year and see if there is change in their height over the years.
 
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