SINGAPORE: A novel genetic testing programme has been launched by KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) in partnership with Temasek Foundation, targeted at Singapore people planning for babies or those who are currently expecting.  ,
The pilot program, which will run for complimentary between 2024 and 2027, aims to inform couples about whether they have extreme hereditary genetic conditions that may be passed down to their children.
It will also help them make , informed decisions about family planning, said the hospital in a joint press release with the , KKH-led SingHealth Duke-NUS Maternal and Child Health Research institute (MCHRI ) on Tuesday ( Sep 17 ).  ,
Described as a “first-in-Asia”, the Temasek Foundation PREDICT ( PaREnthood genetic DIsease Carrier Test ) Programme covers more than 80 genetic disorders relevant to the Asian population.  ,
In Singapore, people provider screening is usually conducted for certain disorders, said the media release.  ,
For starters, carrier testing is offered for Thalassemia key in all births. This increases the likelihood of the problem by over 90 % and helps people understand its dangers.  ,
” Children with Thalassemia key face growing health problems from birth until they are old enough to need lifelong medical care,” it continued.  ,
All pregnancies with known family histories of some disorders, mothers over 35 years old, and frequent chromosomal disorders are eligible for antenatal screening, as are high-risk pregnancies with known family histories of some disorders, and those with known maternal histories of more than 35 years.  ,
The newly launched program includes a more comprehensive section of over 80 disorders that are related to Asians.
According to KKH and the Maternal and Child Health Research Institute, it includes serious problems that shorten life and cause significant philosophical or physical disabilities.  ,
These diseases, which include spinal muscular atrophy and main bile acid production problem, are also popular in Singapore, occurring in at least one in 1, 000 people, read the transfer.
At KKH, all checks may be conducted and processed. In the future, this program will also be offered at various maternal clinics.  ,
” Based on the captain, KKH will determine how to level the project by 2027″.