Parental consanguinity in Hong Kong.

INTRODUCTION: Consanguineous union increases the risk of genetic disorders in offspring. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of parental consanguinity in Hong Kong, and its effects on pregnancy, perinatal, and child health outcomes. METHODS: Pregnant women in consanguineous unions attending an obstetrics unit at a public hospital in Hong Kong were retrospectively studied. Their pregnancy, perinatal, and child health outcomes were compared with an ethnicity-matched control group of pregnant women in non-consanguineous unions. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of parental consanguinity was 0.6% (first cousins or closer, 78.4%; beyond first cousins, 21.6%). The majority were ethnic Pakistani (85.0%). Women in consanguineous unions were more likely to have an obstetric history of congenital abnormality (10.5%), unexplained intrauterine fetal demise (4.2%) and unexplained neonatal death (4.6%), or family history of congenital abnormality (4.6%). Offspring of consanguineous parents had significantly higher risk of recessive diseases (odds ratio [OR]=8.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.06-71.36), structural abnormalities (OR=4.55, 95% CI=2.17-9.53) and developmental delay (OR=6.72, 95% CI=1.48-30.63), and significantly higher incidence of autistic spectrum disorder (2.1%; P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: It is essential that information on the increased risks associated with parental consanguinity is included in genetic counselling for consanguineous couples, so that they can make informed decisions.

An innovative web-based peer support system for medical students in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Psychological morbidity is commonly found in medical students. AIMS: The Mental Health Support Group (MSG), a student-initiated and student-run web-based peer support service aims to provide mental health information, e mail counseling and an online forum for medical students. METHODS: The development process of MSG is described in the paper with presentation of preliminary evaluation results. RESULTS: Preliminary evaluation shows promising results. Student members of MSG acquired valuable skills in counseling, communication, webpage design and maintenance of an online forum. CONCLUSIONS: Future challenges include succession issues, strategies to keep up the momentum, enhancement of publicity and further diversification of service to meet the needs of our students.

The nutritional value of indigenous fruits and vegetables in Sarawak.

The proximate composition including mineral and vitamin contents of 16 fruits and 46 vegetables (leaves, fruits, palm hearts and shoots) of indigenous origin in Sarawak are provided. Fruits like dabai (Canarium odontophyllum), kembayau (Dacryodes rostrata f. cuspidata), durian nyekak (Durio kutejensis) and durian kuning (Durio graveolens) are very nutritious with high values for energy, protein and potassium. Among the vegetables, the protein content of letup (Passiflora foetida), kepayang (Pangium edule) and tubu (Pycnarrhena tumetacta) is high, ranging from 6 to 7%. The range of nutrients among foods of indigenous origin are generally comparable with those of many cultivated species except for vitamin C, which is lower. Teh Kampung (Leucosyke capitellata) leaves are particularly high in magnesium (626 mg/100 g). Some of the indigenous vegetables contain antinutritional factors. Kepayang has very high levels of hydrogen cyanide (1834 µg/g on dry basis) but this poison can be completely evaporated by boiling. Indigenous fruits and vegetables which are pesticide residue free are important food sources for rural populations. Nutritious indigenous fruits and vegetables have the potential to be promoted for wider use, domestication and commercialization.