RUCHITA KARMAKAR, AMITY UNIVERSITY KOLKATA
Childbirth is often regarded as a life-changing event, one that is of great concern to the mother and child involved. Sometimes, this phenomenon becomes rather disheartening. It has been observed quite often that due to various unforeseen fatal complexities, these manifest into a disastrous outcome such as when the mother loses her life while giving birth, or has a miscarriage. Sometimes, both end up losing their lives.
Years of observation of such instances occurring in the biomedical domain has drawn the attention of many physicians. Statistical data says that the frequency of maternal-death is much greater in number than cases of miscarriages. The occurrence of these unexplained outcomes has led to the rise of various questions demanding scientific reasonings explaining such adversities.
DNA is an essential part of the living cell which carries genetic blueprints and biological instructions. A mutation is defined as a sudden change in the DNA, which might potentially lead to the development of various risks often in the form of diseases and disorders.
Researchers suggest that genetics plays a crucial role in determining the risk of bleeding after childbirth, or “postpartum haemorrhage” which also leads to maternal death. A study conducted the comparison of genes in females with postpartum haemorrhage, with those that depicted uncomplicated childbirth.
The author reported the discovery of five genetic mutations which could potentially lead to maternal death after childbirth. These mutations were found to be present in certain genes which were situated next to the ones forming our immune system. The study also provided insight into the fact that the immune system plays a vital role in pregnancy and delivery in general.
Although researchers are still trying to understand the root cause of these mutations at this stage, the expected success in finding out of the faulty genes would later result in the effective screening of women possessing those genes, thereby possible preventing fatalities for the mother and her child.
The author also suggested her objective of creating a permanent cure, as drugs targeting the mutated genes, once their research gets approved.
Citation:- Dr. Vesela Kovacheva. https://www.sciencecodex.com/researchers-zero-genetic-connection-postpartum-hemorrhage-657926
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