Mp. Ryan et al., AN AN ETHICAL DEBATE - GENETIC TESTING FOR FAMILIAL HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN NEWBORN-INFANTS - CLINICIAN PERSPECTIVE, BMJ. British medical journal, 310(6983), 1995, pp. 856-857
Identification of genes for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has made precl
inical diagnoses possible in families with a mutation. As yet, however
, no treatment prevents the development of myocardial hypertrophy, and
medical intervention has not been shown to improve prognosis. A team
from Hammersmith Hospital carrying out research into genetic causes of
the disease report that they were asked by a couple to screen their d
aughter at birth. The couple also give their view of screening. We ask
ed two medical geneticists, a cardiologist, and a paediatrician with a
n interest in ethics to comment on the implications.