Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100251630300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Vellore

Meet to create awareness of genetic disorders

Special Correspondent

Programme on clinical genetics and dysmorphology begins at CMC today

50 doctors, general practitioners, students from south India to participate
“Research on congenital deafness and genetic factors in leprosy planned”

VELLORE: The Clinical Genetics Unit of Christian Medical College & Hospital will be organising a two-day Indo-European Continuing Medical Education (CME) Programme on Clinical Genetics and Dysmorphology for Practising Clinicians on the hospital premises here on Thursday and Friday.

Briefing reporters about the programme here on Wednesday, Sumita Danda, Professor and Head, Clinical Genetics Unit, CMC, and Bertha, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, CMC, said that the objective of the programme was to create awareness of the different kinds of genetic disorders and the procedures for detecting them before any damage is done to the organs. About 50 doctors, general practitioners and medical students from south India would be attending the programme.

Prof. Sumita said that dysmorphology deals with variation in the structure and formation of various organs. Some malformations such as the presence of six fingers in the hand are not dangerous to a person, whereas some other malformations such as malformation of the brain could cause serious problems. At present, conditions such as muscular dystrophy and spinal dystrophy could not be cured but only treated to prevent deterioration.

The Clinical Genetics Unit undertakes the work of detecting genetic disorders and counselling for the mothers of children found to have genetic disorders either in the foetal stage or in the post-natal stage. Treatment is given only in the case of enzyme deficiency, which leads to storage disorders. Different molecules have been developed to treat this condition. The unit has treated about 1,500 patients in the last two years, most of them being children. Clinical trials were being conducted for the treatment of muscular dystrophy and many other storage disorders. The unit is planning to do research on congenital deafness and the genetic factors in leprosy. It is also planning to start a training programme with fellowship for postgraduate doctors in medical genetics.

The programme would be inaugurated at the Wheeler Hall in the ASHA Building on the hospital premises here at 8 a.m.