Genetic Counseling

Ask a Librarian!—January 2012

Jim Anderson, PA-C, ATC, Susan Klawansky, MLS, AHIP January 13, 2012

This month's topics include reliable sources for genetic conditions and counseling and where to find Web sites notable for their dermatology resources.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis

R. Lynn Holt, MS, CGC September 22, 2011

This article reviews the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), an assisted reproductive technology that has been used to evaluate embryos for genetic conditions prior to implantation.

Polydactyly in a young boy: A cause of teasing and local tribal suspicion

Commander Nora M. Perez, PA-C, Major Marc C. Raciti, PA-C June 27, 2011

During a medical civic action program in Ethiopia, a 10-year-old male with polydactyly arrived with his father for surgical removal of his extra digits, the cause of much taunting and grief.

What's new in Alzheimer disease:  Biomarkers and gene mutations as aids for detecting AD early

John K. Grandy, MS, RPA-C June 16, 2011

New discoveries in neurogenetics and proteinopathies may allow Alzheimer disease to be detected in patients even before symptoms manifest.

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy

Nguyen H. Park, MS, PA-C May 10, 2011

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a broad category of conditions in which the heart muscle enlarges, causing left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Clinicians should understand how to conduct genetic testing and manage this disorder.

Mystery solved: The evolution of  diagnostic abilities in genetic testing

Gary S. Gottesman, MD, FAAP, FACMG, Jacqueline R. Batanian, PhD, FACMG January 12, 2011

New technology advances in cytogenetic and molecular technology have expanded clinicians' abilities to identity difficult-to-diagnose genetic conditions.

Helping your patients to deal with a predisposition to genetic disease

Andrea Farkas Patenaude, PhD November 19, 2009

PAs who understand both the medical and psychological implications of genetic information can help to integrate this new area of medical practice into the lives of patients.

Should I be tested for breast cancer genes?

Pamela Moyers Scott, MPAS, PA-C June 01, 2006

News reports of medical advances in genetics are appearing in the lay press almost daily. These reports, coupled with women's fear of breast cancer, mean that more women are asking about screening for mutations.