Potential impact of a predictive test on the gene frequency of Huntington disease

Am J Med Genet. 1984 Jul;18(3):423-9. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.1320180311.

Abstract

Fifty-five individuals at 50% risk of inheriting Huntington disease (HD) were given in-depth structured interviews to survey attitudes toward use of a predictive test and to assess the possible impact of such a test on the number of gene carriers born. Three-quarters of the sample said they would take predictive test. Given a positive predictive or prenatal test, the number of individuals choosing to have children is reduced from 80% of the total sample to 42%, or by almost one-half. The large proportion of at risk individuals who say they would use a predictive test underscores the importance of developing guidelines for its administration prior to implementation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency*
  • Genetic Carrier Screening
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease / diagnosis
  • Huntington Disease / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Risk