Supported by figures, tables and photos, this book illustrates the basics of genetic diagnostics, prenatal and reproductive medicine, syndromology and familial cancers. It also includes numerous illustrated examples of the most frequent genetic diseases, making it a valuable resource in genetic counselling. This book is an essential tool for genetic counsellors, paediatricians, gynaecologists and all healthcare professionals who explain genetic issues to their patients. Useful also for teaching students.

Abstract: Background Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disorder manifesting with skin and mucosal membrane blistering in different degrees of severity. Objective Epidemiological data from different countries have been published, but none are available from Germany. Methods In this population-based cross-sectional study, people living with EB in Germany were identified using the following sources: academic hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and patient organization. Results Our study indicates an overall EB incidence of 45 per million live births in Germany. With 14.23 per million live births for junctional EB, the incidence is higher than in other countries, possibly reflecting the availability of early molecular genetic diagnostics in severely affected neonates. Dystrophic EB was assessed at 15.58 cases per million live births. The relatively low incidence found for EB simplex, 14.93 per million live births, could be explained by late or missed diagnosis, but also by 33% of cases remaining not otherwise specified. Using log-linear models, we estimated a prevalence of 54 per million for all EB types, 2.44 for junctional EB, 12.16 for dystrophic EB and 28.44 per million for EB simplex. These figures are comparable to previously reported data from other countries. Conclusions Altogether, there are at least 2000 patients with EB in the German population. These results should support national policies and pharmaceutical companies in decision-making, allow more precise planning of drug development and clinical trials, and aid patient advocacy groups in their effort to improve quality of life of people with this orphan disease

Unser Wissen über genetisch bedingte Erkrankungen und Behinderungen nimmt rasant zu. Die Autorin erklärt allgemein verständlich, wie die Vererbung beim Menschen funktioniert und welche Rolle genetische Faktoren bei der Entstehung von Krankheiten spielen. Dies ist wichtig zu wissen für alle, die selbst oder in der Familie von solchen Erkrankungen betroffen sind. Eltern, die ein behindertes Kind haben, Paare mit Kinderwunsch und ältere Schwangere erfahren, wann eine genetische Beratung sinnvoll ist und wie sie abläuft.