How frequent are consanguineous marriages?

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of consanguineous marriages in parents and grand parents of all admitted children in a pediatric unit. An observational study. All patients admitted over one year period from January to December 2001 in Unit I of Pediatric Department were included. Information was obtained regarding consanguinity of parents and grandparents of the children Clinically evident inherited disorders were also noted. Consanguinity was found in 72.7% of marriages. First cousin marriages were seen in 87% while second cousin marriages were seen in 12%. Consanguinity was also seen in the grandparents. It was found in 64.15% of maternal and 60.3% of paternal grandparents. Cousin-marriages are a norm in the population studied. Its effect on inherited disorders deserves further studies