Consanguinity in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and preterm delivery among saudi females

Abstract

Objectives: Consanguinity is considered as a factor which influences reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate the role of cousin marriages on the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and preterm delivery (PTD) in Saudi females. Methods: The study included 300 Saudi women (RPL = 100; PTD = 50; control = 150). Demographic and clinical data were entered on forms specially designed for the study, and the women were interviewed about the relationship with their husbands. The degree of consanguinity as the first and second cousins was recorded, and the prevalence of PTD and RPL was calculated in consanguineous and nonconsanguineous marriages. Results: The results revealed that consanguinity occurs at a higher frequency in RPL and PTD (RPL = 55%; PTD = 52%) compared to the control group (36%) and the difference compared to the controls were statistically significant for both PTD and RPL (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the frequency of consanguinity is significantly higher in the females giving preterm birth (PTB) and those with RPL. Since consanguinity increase homozygosity of autosomal recessive conditions, our result implicates the involvement of some autosomal recessive genes, in the pathogenesis of PTD and RPL. Further studies are required to identify gene mutations or polymorphisms which are involved in early fetal loss and PTD, conduct genetic screening for such genetic mutations and polymorphisms, and conduct genetic counseling to decrease the frequency of both conditions. Furthermore, there is a greater need to increase awareness about complications that may occur among consanguineous families, in an attempt to decrease the frequency of consanguinity.