Child Deaths Linked to Consanguinity: Study Reveals Stark Disparities

A comprehensive study of 13,045 child deaths in England from 2019 to 2023 has uncovered a concerning link between consanguinity and child mortality. The research found that 7% of these deaths involved children born to parents who are close blood relatives. This figure, while representing a small percentage, indicates a significant overrepresentation and necessitates urgent intervention.

The study also highlighted severe ethnic and socio-economic disparities. Four in five deceased children with consanguineous parents were from an Asian ethnic background, most commonly Pakistani. Almost a third of deceased children from Asian backgrounds had parents who were close relatives, compared to much lower percentages in other ethnic groups. Furthermore, over half of these children resided in the most deprived areas of England.

Consanguineous parentage is associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies and other health issues. In this study period, 27% of all child deaths were related to genetic or congenital anomalies. For children born to close relatives, nearly 60% of their deaths were attributed to these factors, underscoring a critical genetic link.

An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the report's findings, emphasizing the increased risk of genetic conditions and serious illness. The NHS is piloting a program with specialist nurses in areas where close-relative marriage is prevalent to help prevent vulnerable infant deaths.