Consanguinity, cardiac arrest, hearing impairment, and ECG abnormalities: Counselling pitfalls in the Romano-Ward syndrome

Abstract

Genetic counselling in the autosomal dominant condition of the Romano-Ward syndrome might be assumed to be relatively straightforward. The problems posed by consanguinity, deafness, and subclinical gene carriers in a pedigree with this condition have caused us to re-evaluate this view. The diagnostic and management difficulties which may attend this potentially fatal condition are highlighted by our experience with this family.