This document discusses consanguineous marriages, which are defined as unions between individuals related as second cousins or closer. There are various reasons why some communities prefer consanguineous marriages, such as strengthening family ties and making financial negotiations easier. Factors like higher education rates, age at marriage, and economic status can decrease consanguineous marriage rates. While effects are mixed, studies have shown associations between parental consanguinity and increased risks of infant mortality, congenital heart defects, and some genetic disorders. Genetic counseling can help families at risk of inherited disorders understand risks and family planning options.

1. CONSANGUINEOUS ATOPY
BY:
Mr. Dinabandhu Barad
MSc Tutor, SNC,SOA,DTU

2. DEFINITION
In clinical genetics, a consanguineous marriage is defined as a union
between two individuals who are related as second cousins or closer.

3. DEGREE OF COUSINHOOD

4. DEGREE OF COUSINHOOD

5. DEGREE OF COUSINHOOD

6. DEGREE OF COUSINHOOD

8. REASONS FOR CHOOSING TO MARRY
A COUSIN
• Consanguinity is a deeply rooted cultural trend in certain communities.
• More favourable for the women`s status. The wife would have better relationship
with her in-laws and could be protected by them in time of need.
• There is a general belief that marrying within the family reduces the possibilities
of hidden health and financial uncertainties.

9. REASONS FOR CHOOSING TO MARRY
A COUSIN
• Premarital negotiations regarding financial matters of marriage are more easily
conducted, keeping the money and property within the family.
• Strengthens family ties, and enforces family solidarity.

10. FACTORS AFFECTING CONSANGUINITY
RATES
• Consanguinity rates are higher in rural than urban settings of a certain
community.
• Higher female education reduces the rate of first cousin marriages.
• First cousin marriages are more common when the parents of the couple are
consanguineous.

11. FACTORS AFFECTING
CONSANGUINITY
RATES
• In the same community, consanguinity rates are higher among Muslims than
among Christians, for example in Lebanon, Jordan, South India.

12. FACTORS MAY DECREASE
CONSANGUINITY RATE
• Higher female education
• Higher age at marriage
• Low fertility
• More mobility from rural to urban
• Better economic status of families

13. EFFECT OF CONSANGUINITY
• Stillbirth rates are either similar or slightly higher among consanguineous couples
than the non-related couples.
• There is a positive association between parental consanguinity and increased
infant and childhood mortality.
• Many studies have shown a positive association between parental consanguinity
and congenital heart defects.
• The association of consanguinity with cleft lip and palate, and neural tube defects
is not clear.

14. EFFECT OF CONSANGUINITY
• Among genetic disorders, only autosomal recessive disorders are strongly
associated with consanguinity.
• The association of NCD’s ( such as diabetes, hypertension) with parental
consanguinity is still not clear.

15. COUNSELLING
• Genetic counselling is the process by which clients or their relatives, at risk of an
inherited disorder, are advised to prevent, avoid or ameliorate the disorder.
• They are advised on
• the consequences and nature of the disorder,
• the probabilities of developing or transmitting it,
• the choices open to them in management and planning of their families.

16. COUNSELLING
Genetic counsellors provide useful information and support to families who may be
at risk of inherited disorders.
• They are involved
• in identification of families at risk
• investigation of problems presented by the family
• interpretation of information about the disorder
• analysis of inheritance patterns and
• evaluation of risks of recurrence
• reviewing testing options available to the family.