Springer Genetic Disorders of the Indian Subcontinent

The population of the Indian subcontinent consists of a fine amalgamation of people from diverse tribal, cultural, religious and social backgrounds. Mortality and morbidity from a vast number of medical and surgical conditions is significant and well above compared to the developed countries. Although a large component of the human health problem is related to infection, malnutrition and other preventable causes, a significant proportion is linked to hereditary factors reflecting in the form of chromosomal, single gene and complex medical diseases. Unusual and unique Mendelian disorders are not uncommon and a number of common medical conditions, such as ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus are relatively more prevalent among those living in the developing countries of the Indian subcontinent and as well as among the migrant population groups in the western world. However, true burden of the inherited disorders among the Asian Indians is not known, and probably underestimated. This text includes a detailed and concise account of the social and cultural diversity, medical demography, genetic epidemiology, consanguinity and common genetic disorders affecting people from the Indian subcontinent. In addition, specific issues of genetic services in various regions are addressed. Review From the reviews of the first edition: "To the best of our knowledge, this is the only book written and compiled to focus on human genetics and genetic disorders in relation to people of the Indian subcontinent. It is hoped that the reader will have a good overview and background information on the key subjects ranging from social and cultural aspects to the application of the science of human genetics in the practice of modern clinical medicine." (Dhavendra Kumar) "This is excellent and long overdue" (Professor Bhuki Parekh, London School of Economics, UK) "Genetic disorders of the Indian subcontinent is a comprehensive and timely book that addresses the burden of genetic disorders in the people of the Indian subcontinent. … There is an admirable attempt to explain the complex interaction of age-old beliefs, social practices, cultural influences … . This book is an invaluable resource to all clinicians dealing with genetic disorders among this population not only in the subcontinent but even in other countries such as UK where there is a sizeable population from this region." (Charulata Deshpande, Human Genetics, Vol. 120, 2006)