[The contribution of genetic factors to perinatal pathology and infant mortality].

The authors consider the contribution made by genetic factors to perinatal and infant mortality on the basis of many-year studies performed in the Minsk Teratology Center and analysis of the data available in the literature. In 1972-1984 there was an increase in the incidence of congenital malformations among deceased children. Genetic factors predispose to at least 7-8% postimplantation embryonal and fetal elimination. Perinatal and neonatal mortality is caused by congenital malformations in 19.1 and 37% of cases, respectively. A genetic analysis has indicated that 23.2% of them are induced by genic, chromosomal, and genomic mutations and 51.0% are caused multifactorially. The prevention of genetically determined perinatal mortality is most effective in implementing the screening programs for detection of heterozygous carriage along with subsequent prospective examination and prenatal diagnosis.