Effects of consanguinity in a cohort of subjects with certain genetic disorders in Qatar

Background

Consanguineous marriages are common in the Middle East including the Gulf countries. The rate of consanguinity in Qatar is approximately 54%, which are mainly first cousins’ marriages. Previous studies showed that consanguinity increases the prevalence of birth defects and other genetic disorders. Thus, we studied the effects of consanguinity in a cohort of subjects with certain genetic disorders in Qatar.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted at two centers in Qatar (Hamad Medical Corporation “HMC” and Shafallah “SC”) including 599 Qatari families with certain types of genetic and nongenetic anomalies.

Results

Consanguineous marriages were seen in 397 of 599 (66.2%) Qatari families and first cousin group counts for 65% in Qatari population. In the total cohort and at HMC, all consanguineous marriages had a significantly higher risk of Autosomal Recessive disorders than nonconsanguineous marriages (total cohort: odds ratio (OR) = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.71; p = .02; HMC: OR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.37, 6.09; p = .005). On the other hand, at HMC, nonconsanguinity was significantly related to chromosomal abnormality (OR = 6.36; 95% CI: 1.13, 35.85; p = .036).

Conclusion

Our data suggest a significant role of parental consanguinity in increasing the prevalence of genetic disorders; mainly Autosomal Recessive disorders. Chromosomal abnormality disorders were significantly higher among nonconsanguineous marriages. These results help better inform policy makers on social, educational, and public health initiatives that might mitigate the impact of genetic disease in the Qatari society.

Other Information

Published in: Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mgg3.1051

Additional institutions affiliated with: Ministry of Social Development and Family - State of Qatar, Qatar Social Work - MSDF, Center for Persons with Disabilities (SHAFALLAH) - QSW.