Biomedical subjects

Victor B Penchaszadeh

Publications and source records attributed to Victor B Penchaszadeh.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Genetic services in Latin America.

This special issue of Community Genetics reviews some of the most important developments in medical genetics in key countries of Latin America. Contributions to this issue were prepared for a special consultation of the World Health Organization held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on June 19, 2003. Latin America is a region of medium- to low-income countries characterized by socioeconomic problems, with large segments of the population living in poverty and extreme disparities in the distribution of wealth. A rise in chronic diseases typical of the processes of industrialization and urbanization coexists with the persistence of nutritional and infectious diseases characteristic of poverty and underdevelopment. Over the last 2 decades of the 20th century, birth defects and genetic disorders have increased their share of morbidity and mortality, and tertiary-care-based genetic services have developed in urban areas. Although privatization of health care is eroding the public sector, the public institutions continue to be the main providers of genetic services for the bulk of the population and the leaders in research. The development of clinical genetics in the region is concentrated in tertiary-care centers in large cities, although a recent trend began extending genetic services to the community.

Biomedical Research↗

PubMed2004

Community genetic services in Latin America and regional network of medical genetics. Recommendations of a World Health Organization consultation.

The World Health Organization sponsored a Consultation on Community Genetic Services and a Regional Network of Medical Genetics in Latin America in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on June 19, 2003. The main recommendations of the meeting included: (a) the call for government funding of services, research and education in medical genetics; (b) the conduct of epidemiological research on the prevalence and types of birth defects, genetic disorders and genetic predispositions to common diseases; (c) the education of health professionals in genetics; (d) the education of genetic professionals in community health and public health genetics; (e) the fostering of interactions between clinical geneticists, public health personnel, primary health care workers and community organizations, and (f) a better planning of regionalized services to avoid duplication and inefficiency.

Community Networks↗

PubMed2002

Preventing congenital anomalies in developing countries.

The birth prevalence of congenital anomalies in developing countries is similar to that observed in developed countries. However, the health impact of birth defects is higher because of a lack of adequate services for the care of affected infants and a higher rate of exposures to infections and malnutrition. A number of successful measures for the prevention of congenital anomalies are being taken in a number of developing nations. Primary prevention programs are based on public education about preconceptional and prenatal risks. Prevention based on reproduction options includes teratogen information services and prenatal screening for fetal anomalies. In addition, programs for the detection of congenital malformations at birth, followed by early treatment, are contributing to secondary prevention. Prevention of congenital anomalies in the developing world requires: (a) good epidemiological data on the prevalence and types of birth defects and genetic disorders; (b) educating health professionals in the goals and methods of preventing birth defects at low cost but with high impact, and (c) expansion of family planning and improvement of antenatal care combined with educational campaigns to avoid the risks for birth defects. The basis for public health preventive measures should be the primary health care level. In a sizable proportion of developing countries, the stage is already set for these measures to be implemented. Required are education, political will, and proper organization and allocation of resources.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

Reproductive genetic testing from an international perspective: impact on women in underdeveloped countries.

The impact of reproductive genetic testing (preconceptional and prenatal screening for genetic diseases) on women in the third world must take into account the many aspects that characterize underdevelopment: poverty; little access to education; housing; adequate nutrition; health services, and other. In these countries women usually suffer from male domination in a number of aspects of their lives, including reproduction. Illiteracy is high, particularly among women. Infant mortality and fertility rates are high, and the primary causes of death are infectious diseases and malnutrition. Health services are poorly organized, and family planning and prenatal care programs are deficient. Although abortions are illegal, they outnumber live births 3:1. Maternal mortality is 10-100 times higher than in industrialized nations, and complications of illegal abortions are one of its main causes. This description applies to the majority of the population and contrasts with that of the small segment of well-to-do upper classes, who have access to education, housing and health services that include family planning, prenatal care and reproductive genetic testing. By and large, all main cities count with clinical genetic centers. The illegality of abortion, however, makes prenatal testing in the public sector a difficult task, while in the private sector quality control is an unheard concept and the patients frequently fall victims of the entrepreneurial and commercial goals of the providers. For the majority of the population, the impact of reproductive genetic testing is almost nil, simply because the services are not available.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Delivery of Health Care↗