The effect of Consanguineous Marriages on Congenital Malformation

Background: Consanguinity has been a long-standing social habit among some of Iranians. The estimation of consanguinity ratios in different parts of Iran ranged from 30 to 85%. This study aimed to delineating the role of consanguinity on congenital malformations in Khominishahr rural population, Isfahan, Iran.
 Methods: In a case-control study, 518 malformed population (case group) and 518 normal subjects (control group) were randomly selected from khominishahr rural population, from July to November, 2003.
 Results: The frequency of consanguinity of parent’s was 59.7% in case group and 31.5% in control group. This different was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
 Conclusion: Family history of congenital malformation may play an important role in the high rates of congenital malformation.
 Key words: Consanguinity, Congenital Malformation