In a small number of intrauterine fetal deaths, scientists have
identified genetic mutations associated with long QT syndrome (LQTS), a
genetic abnormality in the heart's electrical system.
Researchers conducted a molecular genetic evaluation (referred to as a postmortem cardiac channel molecular autopsy) in 91 cases of unexplained fetal death (stillbirths) from 2006-2012. They discovered the prevalence of mutations in the three most common LQTS-susceptible genes, KCNQ1, KCNH2 and SCN5A. Two of the most common genes were discovered in three cases (KCNQ1 and KCNH2); and five of the cases exhibited SCN5A rare non-synonymous genetic variants.
Long QT Syndrome Increases Risk of Sudden Death Due to Cardiac Arrhythmias
A new study from Brown University, Providence has revealed that individuals with long QT syndrome (LQTS) are at an increased risk of sudden death due to irregular heartbeats, also
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Intrauterine fetal death or still birth happens in approximately one out of every 160 pregnancies and accounts for 50 percent of all perinatal deaths. "We know that the post-mortem evaluation often has not been able to explain these deaths," says Michael J. Ackerman, M.D., Ph.D., pediatric cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and co-study senior author along with Peter J. Schwartz, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pavia, Italy. "Those of us who study LQTS and treat LQTS patients have often wondered whether LQTS may be the cause of some of these deaths."
In the study, more than 1,300 ostensibly healthy individuals served as controls. In addition, publicly available exome (the entire portion of the genome consisting of protein-coding sequences) databases were assessed for the general population frequency of identified genetic variances.
![Stillbirth Rates on Rise]( "Stillbirth Rates on Rise")
In British Columbia, Canada, the rates of stillbirths have increased by 31% over a decade, shows study published in CMAJ.
"Our preliminary evidence suggests that LQTS may be the cause for approximately 5 percent of otherwise unexplained stillbirths and points to the need for further large-scale studies," says Dr. Ackerman, director of Mayo's LQTS Clinic and Windland Smith Rice Cardiovascular Genomics Research Professor. "With LQTS, when we know of its presence, it is a very treatable condition but still more work needs to be done to prevent the family's first tragedy from occurring."
In LQTS, which affects one in 2,000 people, the rapid heartbeats can trigger a sudden fainting spell, seizure, or sudden death. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can occur unexpectedly, mainly during childhood or adolescence. Treatment can involve medication, medical devices, or surgery.
Source: Eurekalert
Stillbirth Rates on Rise
In British Columbia, Canada, the rates of stillbirths have increased by 31% over a decade, shows study published in CMAJ.
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"Our preliminary evidence suggests that LQTS may be the cause for approximately 5 percent of otherwise unexplained stillbirths and points to the need for further large-scale studies," says Dr. Ackerman, director of Mayo's LQTS Clinic and Windland Smith Rice Cardiovascular Genomics Research Professor. "With LQTS, when we know of its presence, it is a very treatable condition but still more work needs to be done to prevent the family's first tragedy from occurring."
In LQTS, which affects one in 2,000 people, the rapid heartbeats can trigger a sudden fainting spell, seizure, or sudden death. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can occur unexpectedly, mainly during childhood or adolescence. Treatment can involve medication, medical devices, or surgery.
Source: Eurekalert
Quiz on Early Pregnancy Symptoms
If you are trying to find out whether you have conceived this time around, you can ask other people, worry in silence or take this quiz on early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
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