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Paudel N, Daly A, Waters F, Stratieva P. Genetic Testing Experiences of People Living with Inherited Retinal Degenerations: Results of a Global Survey. Ophthalmic Res 2024; 67:201-210. [PMID: 38368861 DOI: 10.1159/000537818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obtaining a genetic diagnosis via genetic testing (GT) is a fundamental step in determining the eligibility of a patient to be enrolled in emerging clinical trials and research studies. Besides, the knowledge of genetic outcome allows patients to plan for significant life choices. However, critical barriers exist to an equitable access to genetic services globally. The objective of this study was to explore patient experiences while seeking genomic services for inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). METHODS An online survey was designed based on a focus group conducted by Retina International and including people affected by IRDs and their families living in different regions around the world. The survey was then circulated to 43 Retina International member organisations globally via email newsletters and social networks. The survey involved questions in relation to the accessibility, affordability, and timeliness of genomic services for IRDs as well as patient perceived awareness of genomic services for IRDs among healthcare professionals. RESULTS A total of 410 respondents (IRD patients and caregivers) from over 30 countries across all continents responded to the survey. A considerable number of the patients had to go through a long and arduous journey to access GT and counselling services, wherein 40% had to visit more than 5 physicians, 27% had to visit more than 5 clinics, and 57% had to wait for more than 3 years before obtaining a genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, 46% of respondents reported not receiving genetic counselling prior to undergoing GT, and 39% reported not receiving genetic counselling after undergoing GT. Over 3/4th of the participants reported that they did not have to pay for their genomic services for IRDs. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents reported that their eye care professionals (ECPs) were either not aware of GT, remained neutral, or did not encourage them to undergo GT. CONCLUSION Patients with IRDs do not have equitable access to best practice GT and counselling services. Greater awareness and training regarding IRDs and the benefits of GT and genetic counselling for patients and families are needed among ECPs. A best practice model on access to genomic services for IRDs is required.
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Daich Varela M, Moya R, Azevedo Souza Amaral R, Schlottmann PG, Álvarez Mendiara A, Francone A, Guazi Resende R, Capalbo L, Gelvez N, López G, Morales-Acevedo AM, Ossa RH, Arno G, Michaelides M, Tamayo ML, Ferraz Sallum JM. Clinical and Genetic Characterization of RDH12-Retinal Dystrophy in a South American Cohort. Ophthalmol Retina 2024; 8:163-173. [PMID: 37714431 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the largest cohort of individuals with retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12)-retinal dystrophy to date, and the first one from South America. DESIGN Retrospective multicenter international study. SUBJECTS Seventy-eight patients (66 families) with an inherited retinal dystrophy and biallelic variants in RDH12. METHODS Review of clinical notes, ophthalmic images, and molecular diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual function, retinal imaging, and characteristics were evaluated and correlated. RESULTS Thirty-seven individuals self-identified as Latino (51%) and 34 as White (47%). Sixty-nine individuals (88%) had Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)/early-onset severe retinal dystrophy. Macular and midperipheral atrophy were seen in all patients from 3 years of age. A novel retinal finding was a hyperautofluorescent ring in 2 young children with LCA. Thirty-nine patients (50%) had subsequent visits, with mean follow-up of 6.8 ± 7.3 (range, 0-29) years. Eight variants (21%) were previously unreported, and the most frequent variant was c.295C>A, p.Leu99Ile, present in 52 alleles of 32 probands. Individuals with LCA homozygous for p.Leu99Ile (31%) had a later age of onset, a slower rate of best-corrected visual acuity decrease, the largest percentage of patients with mild visual impairment, and were predicted to reach legal blindness at an older age than the rest of the cohort. CONCLUSIONS By describing the largest molecularly confirmed cohort to date, improved understanding of disease progression was possible. Our detailed characterization aims to support research and the development of novel therapies that may have the potential to reduce or prevent vision loss in individuals with RDH12-associated retinal dystrophy. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Rene Moya
- Departamento de Retina y Departamento de Genética Ocular, Hospital del Salvador, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rebeca Azevedo Souza Amaral
- Ophthalmology Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto de Genética Ocular, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nancy Gelvez
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Greizy López
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Rafael H Ossa
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gavin Arno
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martha L Tamayo
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Maria Ferraz Sallum
- Ophthalmology Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto de Genética Ocular, São Paulo, Brazil
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Schlottmann PG, Luna JD, Labat N, Yadarola MB, Bainttein S, Esposito E, Ibañez A, Barbaro EI, Álvarez Mendiara A, Picotti CP, Chirino Misisian A, Andreussi L, Gras J, Capalbo L, Visotto M, Dipierri JE, Alcoba E, Fernández Gabrielli L, Ávila S, Aucar ME, Martin DM, Ormaechea GJ, Inga ME, Francone AA, Charles M, Zompa T, Pérez PJ, Lotersztein V, Nuova PJ, Canonero IB, Mahroo OA, Michaelides M, Arno G, Daich Varela M. Nationwide genetic analysis of more than 600 families with inherited eye diseases in Argentina. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:8. [PMID: 37217489 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study corresponds to the first large-scale genetic analysis of inherited eye diseases (IED) in Argentina and describes the comprehensive genetic profile of a large cohort of patients. Medical records of 22 ophthalmology and genetics services throughout 13 Argentinian provinces were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of an ophthalmic genetic disease and a history of genetic testing were included. Medical, ophthalmological and family history was collected. A total of 773 patients from 637 families were included, with 98% having inherited retinal disease. The most common phenotype was retinitis pigmentosa (RP, 62%). Causative variants were detected in 379 (59%) patients. USH2A, RPGR, and ABCA4 were the most common disease-associated genes. USH2A was the most frequent gene associated with RP, RDH12 early-onset severe retinal dystrophy, ABCA4 Stargardt disease, PROM1 cone-rod dystrophy, and BEST1 macular dystrophy. The most frequent variants were RPGR c.1345 C > T, p.(Arg449*) and USH2A c.15089 C > A, p.(Ser5030*). The study revealed 156/448 (35%) previously unreported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and 8 possible founder mutations. We present the genetic landscape of IED in Argentina and the largest cohort in South America. This data will serve as a reference for future genetic studies, aid diagnosis, inform counseling, and assist in addressing the largely unmet need for clinical trials to be conducted in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José D Luna
- Centro Privado de Ojos Romagosa SA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Natalia Labat
- Centro Privado de Ojos Romagosa SA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | - Evangelina Esposito
- University Clinic Reina Fabiola, Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Catholic University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Agustina Ibañez
- University Clinic Reina Fabiola, Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Catholic University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mauro Visotto
- Instituto Oftalmológico Trelew, Trelew, Chubut, Argentina
| | | | - Emilio Alcoba
- Hospital Materno Infantil Dr Héctor Quintana, Jujuy, Argentina
| | | | - Silvia Ávila
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Río Negro, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - M Eugenia Inga
- Organización Medica de Investigación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Tamara Zompa
- Charles Centro Oftalmológico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Pedro J Nuova
- Ocularyb Oftalmoclinica, Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - Omar A Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gavin Arno
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Malena Daich Varela
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
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Hufnagel RB, Walter MA, Arno G. Introduction to the special issue on Ophthalmic Genetics: Vision in 2020. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:535-537. [PMID: 32864823 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In this special issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part C, we explore the ever-expanding field of Ophthalmic Genetics. The eye is unique among organs for its accessibility to physical examination, permitting exploration of every tissue by slit lamp microscopy, ophthalmoscopy, and imaging including color and autofluorescent photography, ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), electrophysiology, and adaptive optics confocal and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. This accessibility permits a variety of surgical and nonsurgical treatments, including the first FDA-approved gene therapy, voretigene neparvovec-rzyl for RPE65-associated Leber Congenital Amaurosis. In this issue, we sought to provide a survey highlighting how heritable ophthalmic disorders are recognizable and accessible to clinical geneticists as well as ophthalmologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Hufnagel
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael A Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gavin Arno
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
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