Genetic Disorders In UAE

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GENETIC DISORDERS IN UAE
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Genetic Disorder

• It is a condition that is caused by an
  abnormality or a mutation in an individual's DNA.
• These mutations can be due to an error in DNA
  replication.
• It can be due to environmental factors, such as
  cigarette smoke and exposure to radiation, which
  cause changes in the DNA sequence.

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According To The Reports

• The news report in 2012, 75 out of 1000 babies
  born in the UAE suffer from a birth defect, which
  is mostly of genetic origin.
• The news report of 2013, the UAE Genetics
  Diseases Association estimates that there may be
  more than 400 genetic diseases in the country. 
• Genetic disorders are the fourth-highest cause of
  deaths in the UAE

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• UAE is ranked sixth among 193 countries in terms
  of prevalence of birth defects, mainly due to
  genetic causes.
• Hemoglobinopathies are one of the most common
  disorders among the UAE nationals.
•  Beta-thalassemia constitutes a major public
  health problem in the UAE. 

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• Most scientists and researchers have attributed
  marriages between close relatives as the major
  cause of genetic disorders.
• These type of genetic disorders can be prevented
  by making genetic testing mandatory for residents
  and citizens who wish to get married in the UAE,
  especially marriages between close relatives.
• The closer the blood relation between the
  spouses, the higher the chance the children will
  carry the disease.

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Prevention

• Public awareness and premarital counselling are
  the most important aspects, because it could help
  save lives.
• The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule
  out a suspected genetic condition or help
  determine a person's chance of developing or
  passing on a genetic disorder.

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Conclusion

• Several hundred genetic tests are currently in
  use, and more are being developed.
• For genetic screening tests in Dubai, visit
  http//www.fml-dubai.com/genetic-screening/