Antenatal Diagnosis

• Published in: JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 222; no. 13; p. 1655
• Main Author: Hardy, Janet B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Medical Association 25-12-1972
• ISSN: 0098-7484; 1538-3598
• DOI: 10.1001/jama.1972.03210130047032

This volume is the report of a symposium held in June 1970. While its qualities as a readable, integrated document reflect the brief presentations of a large number of individuals, at one point in time, in a rapidly moving field, it is, nonetheless, a milestone for the practicing obstetrician and pediatrician. A wide range of topics is covered; a particularly useful feature is the summary table in the appendix, in which are listed various genetic metabolic conditions susceptible, or potentially susceptible, to prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis, together with their major clinical and biochemical manifestations.The techniques available for prenatal diagnosis are discussed in some detail. An important contribution to the volume is the section on counseling in cases where antenatal diagnosis is involved. This important aspect is treated with sensitivity for the human values involved.A direct quotation of the first paragraph of the dust jacket provides the proper perspective