] Widespread inbreeding in Saudi Arabia has produced ] several genetic disorders, Saudi public health officials ] said, including the blood diseases of thalassemia, a ] potentially fatal hemoglobin deficiency, and sickle cell ] anemia. Spinal muscular atrophy and diabetes are also ] common, especially in the regions with the longest ] traditions of marriage between relatives. Dr. Sakati said ] she had also found links between inbreeding and deafness ] and muteness. Weird. Saudi Arabia Awakes to the Perils of Inbreeding |