Patient's question:
Now I have been pregnant for 14 weeks. My husband has albinism. The doctor said this is possible to be inherited over generations. I am very worried that the child might also suffer from this disease. Should I have an amniocentesis to check for albinism?Doctor's answer:
Albinism is typically inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, primarily due to consanguineous marriage. In other words, both parents of the patient carry the albinism gene, and they themselves will never suffer from this disease. If both spouses pass on the albinism gene to their child, the child will develop the disease. There is an equal chance for both male and female children to be affected, with a one in four probability. Genetic diagnosis is the most reliable method for definitive identification and prenatal diagnosis. Visit a local hospital to learn how prenatal genetic diagnosis can be implemented and to confirm the diagnosis in a timely manner before delivery.