Cousins marriage issues and solutions

Family marriages cause genetic disease in children

    

Medical experts say that newborn babies are affected by a genetic disease called Lysosomal Storage Disorder (LSD) in medical terms, so the trend of marriage between cousins ​​or within the family should be discouraged.

If children suffering from this disease are not treated early, they can live for barely 5 years, LSD treatment can reduce the mortality in children but it is a very expensive treatment.

These views were expressed by experts during a workshop under the auspices of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Children's Hospital in Lahore.

The panel of experts included Major General (retd) Dr. Salman Ali, Dr. Huma Arshad Cheema, Prof. Tahir Shamsi, Dr. Hani Akbar Rao and Dr. Fariduddin.

The panel of speakers urged the government to take measures to support these patients while formulating a policy on LSD.

Professor Huma Arshad Cheema said that LSD is caused by a malfunction in certain enzymes, which are needed to break down harmful substances in the body.

They said its symptoms included abnormal bone changes, including breast infections, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and central nervous system disorders.

Dr. Huma said that the severity of the disease varies, but symptoms begin to appear within a year and due to lack of information, the diagnosis of the disease is often delayed, resulting in the death of the affected child at a young age. Is'.

He further said that parents of LSD-affected children are now reaching out to government and other institutions for help so that their children can lead a normal life after the required treatment.

Dr. Hani Akbar Rao gave an overview of recent developments on LSD and said that more than 250 children are diagnosed with this disease every year. Earlier LSD diagnosis in Pakistan was a test and samples were sent to USA, UK, Germany, Australia and India, with reports received in 3 to 4 months.

He said that now free test facilities are available in major hospitals of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Multan.

Dr. Huma urged the government to provide more facilities for proper diagnosis and early screening of LSD patients.

Prof. Salman Ali said that the focus should be on public awareness, LSD patients through collaborative efforts of doctors, government, supporters, NGOs, patients' families, drug companies and patient advocacy groups. need of

He said that 'the need of the hour is that the government should work on a scheme for free treatment of these patients as at present such diseases are few and manageable'.

Professor Ali said that the government should ensure the availability of special enzyme drugs for the treatment of affected children, so that they can lead as normal a life as possible and play their part as responsible citizens of the country. will be able to put'.

Professor Fariduddin said that centers should be established for the diagnosis of this disease during maternity, thus the birth of affected children can be reduced.