Check baby for Thalassemia

Hi,

The test is called prenatal diagnosis and more specifically C.V.S (Chorionic Villus Sampling). It is a small procedure involving collection of cells surrounding the baby.

I hope your child comes out normal.

Normally abortion is not advised at 5 month.

Wishing you all the luck.

Hello,

I am surprised there is no center in Bangladesh that does the prenatal testing for thalassemia. Did you get in touch with Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation?

We have a link at:- http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=112.0 which had information on bangladesh thal foundation and I see different contact numbers on the bangladesh thal foundation website :- http://www.thals.org/en/contact-us/view.html

Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation   
 
44/2, Chamelibagh, Shantinagar 
Dhaka – 1217, Bangladesh 
Bangladesh 

  info@thals.org
  88 02 8332481,01190840191 
  88 02 8931139   

Information on Prenatal testing
From:- http://www.thalassaemia.org.cy/pdf/What%20is%20Thalassaemia.pdf

Testing a foetus for thalassaemia

There are three types of tests that can determine whether an unborn child has thalassaemia:
(i) Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is performed in the second trimester of pregnancy, after about 15( 18-22) weeks' gestation. Using ultrasound as a guide, a trained obstetrician insertsa very thin needle through the mother's abdomen to withdraw 2-3 tablespoons of amniotic fluid. The foetal cells (cells from the unborn child) present in the fluid arethen analysed in the laboratory to determine whether the foetus has thalassaemia.This test is used when the pregnancy is far advanced. It poses no significant risk to the mother. However, the test may cause a miscarriage -- from a few days to a fewweeks after the test.

(ii) Cordocentesis (sampling of fetal blood)Under ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is inserted through the abdomen into thefoetal unbilical cord. About 2-3 ml of blood is aspirated and foetal blood isseparated out in the laboratory. In skilled hands 100% pure foetal cells are obtainedfrom the first attempt in the majority of cases. Causes of failure in obtaining purefoetal blood include early gestational age, less than 18 weeks, maternal obesity andposterior placenta. Early gestational age is also the most important cause ofoccurance of serious complications in cordocentesis. (top fig p.127)Globin chain separation with gel electrophoresis is the usual laboratory method ofdetection. Early and specific diagnosis by molecular methods has almostcompletely replaced cordocentesis which is now mainly indicated only in pregnant patients who report late, in those in whom CVS is inconclusive and when previousstudies of at risk couples are not available.

(iii) Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)CVS can be performed somewhat earlier than amniocentesis, at about 10-11weeks' gestation. Using ultrasound as a guide, the specialist obstetrician removesa small sample of the chorionic villi -- cells that contain the same genetic information as the foetus and which will eventually form the placenta. The cells are removed either by a thin needle inserted through the mother's abdomen(transabdominal) or a thin catheter inserted through the vagina (transcervical). The cells are then analysed and a diagnosis made. (fig p128)As with amniocentesis CVS poses no significant risk to the mother. However, there is again a small risk of a miscarriage. If a miscarriage does occur, it can be difficultto know whether it was due to CVS, because many miscarriages happen naturallyat around 12 weeks of pregnancy.There may be an increased risk of the baby's limbs being malformed if CVS isdone very early in pregnancy - i.e. before the 8th week after the last menstrualperiod. However, there is no evidence of an increased risk of any malformation when CVS is carried out after the beginning of the 9th week after the lastmenstrual period. This is why the procedure is generally carried out after the beginning of the 10th week after the last period

I found some information on the net for doctor's in Calcutta who might be able to help with Genetic Testing

From:- http://www.indiaspace.com/pages/genetics.htm

Dr. Amit Chakravarty
M.Sc., Ph.D., M.S.C.G.(U.S.A.)
Director, Med-Gen Diagnostic & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.
Visiting Consultant & Incharge of Genetic Centre : Peerless Hospital & B.K. Roy Research Centre, Calcutta

Hi Sajid,

Really thanks for the wish. We really need prayer from everybody.

Hi Narendra,

Really thanks for the important information and all the efforts. Suddenly I became excited on the idea that probably we dont have to go to India.

I called the person at the cell number provided by you. After some conversation we came to know he is the same person our Consultant has contacted also. He told me we've to go to India. He is trying to get replies from his contact in India whether this prenatal test can be done in this stage. He'll let me know as soon as he get any information from India.

The person told me its no use now to test as we cannot do anything after getting the result. But I'm determined to know. I cannot wait for another 4 months with this uncertainty. From yesterday, I belive my age increased 10 yrs. I am wondering how come I didn't do these blood test earlier. Infact how come I was completely unaware of such desease.

Thanks again.

Hi DadThal,

Welcome on the forum,i am really sorry to hear about your situation,i wish and pray that your baby will be healthy.
I went through this test myself before my second baby was born,it's done here in karachi in couple of hospitals,one is AGA KHAN HOSPITAL,and other is PNS Shifa,a navy controlled hospital,as Narendra gave you the information,a needle is inserted in mother's abdomen to take out the sample,it's not VERY painful,and patient won't feel a thing if given local anesthesia,after the test patient is advised to be on bed rest atleast for three days to avoid misscarriage,and given painkillers for any kind of pain.
The test was done when i was about 11-12 weeks pragnant.
Hope this helps,feel free to ask any questions.

ZAINI.

Hi dadthal :
welcome to Thalassemia patient and friends .. 

Hi Dadthal

Welcome to the forum. You will get so much information from the members here. 

Quote:'Also because of my ignorance, our child is in danger."

You should stop feeling guilty.  You are not at fault.  We carry so many things in our genes, still it is not our fault.  it is our destiny.  When we know we deal with it, this is what you are doing.  You are courageous. You should keep yourself fit for your child and for your wife.  She will need your support and love.

May Allah give you a healthy child.

Take care and good luck.

Jade

Hello,

I completely understand your frustration at this time. However, please consider following facts:

-Pregnancy at 5 months is safe and an abortion at this time is not safe for your wife.
-You and your wife are both thalassemia minor and have a 25% chance of thalassemia major child.
-Thalassemia is a manageable condition and with proper care the patients live normally.

Don't react as a knee jerk reaction right now, take your time to find the right doctor and test center before you go for any test. There is a good chance of 25% your baby will be completely health and 50% chance the baby will be thal minor just like you and your wife.

Think carefully and act rationally.

Hi DadThal,

As muslim you must believe that prayers can change everything,my doctor told me that there is a 2% chance of mistake in this test,internationally accepted,and in your case you have crossed the time limitation,but still if you wanna do the test, why don't you come to Pakistan? meet dr rahat qureshi in AGA KHAN hospital,she'll inform you of the procedure,i can even book you an appointment with her if you want to,and i'd love to help you and go with you to the hospital even,but it depends on when are you coming, coz i am leaving the country on friday and i'll be back till 9th july.
About the results,i think it comes with in a month.
Plz feel free to contact me in PM if you want to.

ZAINI.