Prenatal diagnosis of chromosome disorders in Tunisian population

Cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis (PND) is under national health program in mo st developed countries, while it concerns a small part of population at ris k in developing countries. Finance is common reason of absence of PND devel opment, but socio-cultural believes play an important role in Arab Muslim c ountries. In this paper we report results of 3110 fetal karyotypes carried out in a Tunisian population, by cultured amniocytes analysis. It is the la rgest report in a Muslim Arab country in our Knowledge. Abnormal karyotypes rate was 4.18% classified in two groups: bad prognosis (3.05%) and good pr ognosis (1.13%). Common amniocentesis indication was maternal age. The high est predictive value was observed in balanced karyotype and fetal ultrasoun d findings indications. Maternal serum markers were not commonly used for t risomy 21 screening. Pregnancy termination that is permitted by legal and r eligious authorities was accepted by 94,74% parents. Information about PND outcomes was given by genetic counselling prior to fetal sampling, pregnanc y interruption was discussed with parents at cytogenetic result announcemen t. The authors conclude that in order to prevent mental and physical handic ap related to cytogenetic disorders we have to promote PND by education for population, genetic counselling and fetal ultrasound screening; all three methods available in Tunisia. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.