Genetics in obstetrics and gynecology / Joe Leigh Simpson [and others].

Date:
[1982], ©1982
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Credit: Genetics in obstetrics and gynecology / Joe Leigh Simpson [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Preface Advances in human genetics have had a major impact on many aspects of medicine. In particular, obstetrician-gynecologists must be awrare of the role of genetics in reproductive failure, spontaneous abortion, and congenital an¬ omalies. Furthermore, the availability of antenatal diagnostic techniques makes it obligatory for obstetricians to appreciate the heritability of many disorders as vv^ell as their potential for diagnosis in utero. Despite the increasing importance of genetics, many physicians are not thoroughly informed about genetics and its applications to clinical practice. Most physicians, especially obstetrician-gynecologists, have received no for¬ mal genetic training. Moreover, most available books do not address the par¬ ticular needs of this specialty. To be sure, several volumes lucidly revievu genetic principles, and still others discuss clinical aspects of rare genetically determined conditions; however, these volumes are usually of interest pri¬ marily to pediatricians. Thus, such books are often less than immediately rel¬ evant to obstetrician-gynecologists and family physicians. In fact, no book on genetics has previously been w^ritten expressly for obstetrician-gynecologists. Because of this lack, we have attempted to prepare a practical yet accurate volume oh genetics and teratology as they relate to obstetrics and gynecology. Specialists in other areas, such as surgery and general medicine, will also find this book useful. Absolutely no prior knowledge of genetics is supposed, for which reason a review of basic genetics is provided in Chapter 1. Throughout the rest of the book, genetically determined disorders of clinical interest are surveyed. Emphasis is placed upon genetic counseling and those clinical fea¬ tures requiring attention by obstetrician-gynecologists. The current status of prenatal diagnosis is considered, as are genetic aspects of spontaneous abortion and twinning. Both clinical and genetic aspects of common gynecologic dis¬ orders, pelvic cancers, and disorders of sexual differentiation are discussed. Finally, potential human teratogens—radiation and physical agents, viruses and infectious agents, and chemicals (drugs)—are considered in detail. Obstetrician-gynecologists who are aware of the information in this vol¬ ume should feel comfortable in handling most genetic problems that arise in clinical practice. With the help of this volume, physicians will be prepared to appreciate future genetic advances having major impact upon our specialty. vii