Abstract
The benefits of routine genetic counseling (GC) in ameliorating the family impact of a malformed newborn were investigated by a comparison of 2 Saskatchewan cities Saskatoon (S) and Regina (R). During 33 months all newborns in S and R having a significant malformation were ascertained. (S 122, R 130). A questionnaire (Q), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Family Unit Inventory (FUI) were administered at home to parents of both groups 6 weeks following the birth (T1). S parents only were offered GC which 112 accepted. STAI and FUI were administered again to S and R parents at 6 months (T2), and 1 year (T3). 110 S and 112 R parents were followed to T3. The malformation groups were, with minor exceptions, comparable S v. R. Group comparison of all other variables individually revealed no significant differences S v. R. The impression that GC conferred no particular benefit to families was therefore further explored by development of a family vulnerability index derived by grouping scores from different combinations of variables. Similarly vulnerable S and R families were compared for change in parental anxiety and FUI scores and knowledge of both reproductive risks and the child's condition. Factors influencing response to GC include survival v. demise of the infant, more severe malformation, availability of prenatal diagnosis, lower parental education and income, single mother, parental age difference and certain FUI characteristics. Identification of situations where GC adds significantly to regular management may permit a more appropriate allocation of this limited resource.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ives, E., Henick, P., Morgan, K. et al. 833 EVALUATION OF GENETIC COUNSELING FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF A MALFORMED NEWBORN. Pediatr Res 19, 249 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00863
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00863