Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis: Will it affect the uptake of prenatal carrier screening? |
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Authors: | M. E. Mennie M. E. Compton W. A. Liston D. J. H. Brock |
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Affiliation: | 1. Human Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, U.K.;2. Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Edinburgh, U.K. |
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Abstract: | We report a study which examined whether the decision of 135 couples to accept prenatal cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier screening would be influenced by the advent of gene therapy. A majority (91 couples; 67 per cent) felt that gene therapy for CF would not influence their decision to be screened. Twenty-two couples (16 per cent) stated that they would decline to be screened and an equal number felt ambivalent. Even if the life expectancy of a CF sufferer were increased by gene therapy to normal, 78 per cent of couples would still wish to avail themselves of prenatal carrier screening. A majority of women who decline screening do so because they are opposed to termination of pregnancy. The availability of gene therapy could increase the proportion of couples who accept screening. |
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Keywords: | Cystic fibrosis gene therapy prenatal carrier screening influence on uptake |
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