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Wang Q, Wang D, Qin T, Zhang X, Lin X, Chen J, Chen W, Zhao L, Huang W, Lin Z, Li J, Dongye M, Wu X, Wang X, Li X, Lin Y, Tan H, Liu Y, Lin H, Chen W. Early Diagnosis of Syndromic Congenital Cataracts in a Large Cohort of Congenital Cataracts. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 263:206-213. [PMID: 38184101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the factors related to the diagnosis yield of syndromic congenital cataracts and describe the phenotype-genotype correlation in congenital cataract patients. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Setting: the participants from underwent clinical examinations between 2021 and 2022. Facial and anterior eye segment photographs, pre- and postoperative ocular parameters, and medical and family histories were recorded. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using whole-exome sequencing data. Statistical and correlation analyses were performed using the basic characteristics, deep phenotype, and genotype data. PARTICIPANTS 115 patients with unrelated congenital cataract. INTERVENTIONS performing clinical examinations, whole-exome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis for all participants. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES factors related to the genetic diagnosis yield of syndromic congenital cataracts. RESULTS Bilaterally asymmetrical cataracts were identified to be associated with syndromic congenital cataracts. The overall genetic diagnostic yield in the cohort was 72.2%. In total, 34.8% of the probands were early diagnosed with various syndromes with the help of genetic information. A phenotype-genotype correlation was detected for some genes and deep phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS We highlight the importance of screening syndromic diseases in the patients with asymmetrical congenital cataracts. Application of whole-exome sequencing helps provide early diagnosis and treatment for the patients with syndromic congenital cataracts. This study also achieved a high genetic diagnostic yield, expanded the genotypic spectrum, and found phenotype-genotype correlations. A comprehensive analysis of cataract symmetricity, family history, and deep phenotypes makes the genotype prediction of some congenital cataract patients possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Wang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dongni Wang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tingfeng Qin
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xulin Zhang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoshan Lin
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wan Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lanqin Zhao
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiming Huang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhuoling Lin
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Li
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Meimei Dongye
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaohang Wu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xun Wang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongbin Lin
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Haowen Tan
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Weirong Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Vuocolo B, German RJ, Lalani SR, Murali CN, Bacino CA, Baskin S, Littlejohn R, Odom JD, McLean S, Schmid C, Nutter M, Stuebben M, Magness E, Juarez O, El Achi D, Mitchell B, Glinton KE, Robak L, Nagamani SCS, Saba L, Ritenour A, Zhang L, Streff H, Chan K, Kemere KJ, Carter K, Owen N, Vossaert L, Liu P, Bellen H, Wangler MF. Improving access to exome sequencing in a medically underserved population through the Texome Project. Genet Med 2024; 26:101102. [PMID: 38431799 PMCID: PMC11161315 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Genomic medicine can end diagnostic odysseys for patients with complex phenotypes; however, limitations in insurance coverage and other systemic barriers preclude individuals from accessing comprehensive genetics evaluation and testing. METHODS The Texome Project is a 4-year study that reduces barriers to genomic testing for individuals from underserved and underrepresented populations. Participants with undiagnosed, rare diseases who have financial barriers to obtaining exome sequencing (ES) clinically are enrolled in the Texome Project. RESULTS We highlight the Texome Project process and describe the outcomes of the first 60 ES results for study participants. Participants received a genetic evaluation, ES, and return of results at no cost. We summarize the psychosocial or medical implications of these genetic diagnoses. Thus far, ES provided molecular diagnoses for 18 out of 60 (30%) of Texome participants. Plus, in 11 out of 60 (18%) participants, a partial or probable diagnosis was identified. Overall, 5 participants had a change in medical management. CONCLUSION To date, the Texome Project has recruited a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse cohort. The diagnostic rate and medical impact in this cohort support the need for expanded access to genetic testing and services. The Texome Project will continue reducing barriers to genomic care throughout the future study years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Vuocolo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Ryan J German
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Seema R Lalani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Chaya N Murali
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Carlos A Bacino
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Stephanie Baskin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - John D Odom
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Scott McLean
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Carrie Schmid
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Morgan Nutter
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Melissa Stuebben
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Emily Magness
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Olivia Juarez
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Dina El Achi
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Bailey Mitchell
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, TX
| | - Kevin E Glinton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Laurie Robak
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Sandesh C S Nagamani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Texas Children's Hospital Department of Pathology, Houston, TX
| | - Lisa Saba
- Texas Children's Hospital Department of Pathology, Houston, TX
| | - Adasia Ritenour
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Lilei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Haley Streff
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Texas Children's Hospital Department of Pathology, Houston, TX
| | - Katie Chan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - K Jordan Kemere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Transition Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kent Carter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, TX
| | | | | | | | - Hugo Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
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Watson S, Ngo KJ, Stevens HA, Wong DY, Kim J, Song Y, Han B, Hyun SI, Khang R, Ryu SW, Lee E, Seo G, Lee H, Lajonchere C, Fogel BL. Cross-Sectional Analysis of Exome Sequencing Diagnosis in Patients With Neurologic Phenotypes Facing Barriers to Clinical Testing. Neurol Genet 2024; 10:e200133. [PMID: 38617022 PMCID: PMC11010248 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Exome sequencing (ES) demonstrates a 20-50 percent diagnostic yield for patients with a suspected monogenic neurologic disease. Despite the proven efficacy in achieving a diagnosis for such patients, multiple barriers for obtaining exome sequencing remain. This study set out to assess the efficacy of ES in patients with primary neurologic phenotypes who were appropriate candidates for testing but had been unable to pursue clinical testing. Methods A total of 297 patients were identified from the UCLA Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center Biobank, and ES was performed, including bioinformatic assessment of copy number variation and repeat expansions. Information regarding demographics, clinical indication for ES, and reason for not pursuing ES clinically were recorded. To assess diagnostic efficacy, variants were interpreted by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, bioinformaticians, and genetic counselors in accordance with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics variant classification guidelines. We next examined the specific barriers to testing for these patients, including how frequently insurance-related barriers such as coverage denials and inadequate coverage of cost were obstacles to pursuing exome sequencing. Results The cohort primarily consisted of patients with sporadic conditions (n = 126, 42.4%) of adult-onset (n = 239, 80.5%). Cerebellar ataxia (n = 225, 75.8%) was the most common presenting neurologic phenotype. Our study found that in this population of mostly adult patients with primary neurologic phenotypes that were unable to pursue exome sequencing clinically, 47 (15.8%) had diagnostic results while an additional 24 patients (8.1%) had uncertain results. Of the 297 patients, 206 were initially recommended for clinical exome but 88 (42.7%) could not pursue ES because of insurance barriers, of whom 14 (15.9%) had diagnostic findings, representing 29.8% of all patients with diagnostic findings. In addition, the incorporation of bioinformatic repeat expansion testing was valuable, identifying a total of 8 pathogenic repeat expansions (17.0% of all diagnostic findings) including 3 of the common spinocerebellar ataxias and 2 patients with Huntington disease. Discussion These findings underscore the importance and value of clinical ES as a diagnostic tool for neurogenetic disease and highlight key barriers that prevent patients from receiving important clinical information with potential treatment and psychosocial implications for patients and family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Watson
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Kathie J Ngo
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Hannah A Stevens
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Darice Y Wong
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Jihye Kim
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Yongjun Song
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Beomman Han
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Seong-In Hyun
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Rin Khang
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Seung Woo Ryu
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Eugene Lee
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Gohun Seo
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Hane Lee
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Clara Lajonchere
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
| | - Brent L Fogel
- From the Department of Neurology (S.W., K.J.N., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center (S.W., H.A.S., D.Y.W., C.L., B.L.F.), the Institute for Precision Health (S.W., C.L., B.L.F.), and the Department of Human Genetics (S.W., B.L.F.), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); 3billion, Inc. (J.K., Y.S., B.H., S.-I.H., R.K., S.W.R., E.L., G.S., H.L.)
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Azuelos C, Marquis MA, Laberge AM. A systematic review of the assessment of the clinical utility of genomic sequencing: Implications of the lack of standard definitions and measures of clinical utility. Eur J Med Genet 2024; 68:104925. [PMID: 38432472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2024.104925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exome sequencing (ES) and genome sequencing (GS) are diagnostic tests for rare genetic diseases. Studies report clinical utility of ES/GS. The goal of this systematic review is to establish how clinical utility is defined and measured in studies evaluating the impacts of ES/GS results for pediatric patients. METHODS Relevant articles were identified in PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies assessed clinical utility of ES/GS for pediatric patients published before 2021. Other relevant articles were added based on articles' references. Articles were coded to assess definitions and measures of clinical utility. RESULTS Of 1346 articles, 83 articles met eligibility criteria. Clinical utility was not clearly defined in 19% of studies and 92% did not use an explicit measure of clinical utility. When present, definitions of clinical utility diverged from recommended definitions and varied greatly, from narrow (diagnostic yield of ES/GS) to broad (including decisions about withdrawal of care/palliative care and/or impacts on other family members). CONCLUSION Clinical utility is used to guide policy and practice decisions about test use. The lack of a standard definition of clinical utility of ES/GS may lead to under- or overestimations of clinical utility, complicating policymaking and raising ethical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Azuelos
- Medical Genetics, Dept of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine and Université de Montréal, Canada.
| | - Marc-Antoine Marquis
- Palliative Care, Dept of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine and Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Laberge
- Medical Genetics, Dept of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine and Université de Montréal, Canada.
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Chung WK, Dasgupta S, Regier DS, Solomon BD. The clinical geneticist workforce: Community forums to address challenges and opportunities. Genet Med 2024; 26:101121. [PMID: 38469792 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Shoumita Dasgupta
- Department of Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Debra S Regier
- Children's National Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Benjamin D Solomon
- Office of the Clinical Director and Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MA.
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German RJ, Vuocolo B, Vossaert L, Owen N, Lewis RA, Saba L, Wangler MF, Nagamani S. Novel hemizygous single-nucleotide duplication in RPGR in a patient with retinal dystrophy and sensorineural hearing loss. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2404. [PMID: 38404254 PMCID: PMC10895382 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RPGR gene has been associated with X-linked cone-rod dystrophy. This report describes a variant in RPGR detected with exome sequencing (ES). Genes like RPGR have not always been included in panel-based testing and thus genome-wide tests such as ES may be required for accurate diagnosis. METHODS The Texome Project is studying the impact of ES in medically underserved patients who are in need of genomic testing to guide diagnosis and medical management. The hypothesis is that ES could uncover diagnoses not made by standard medical care. RESULTS A 58-year-old male presented with retinitis pigmentosa, sensorineural hearing loss, and a family history of retinal diseases. A previous targeted gene panel for retinal disorders had not identified a molecular cause. ES through the Texome Project identified a novel, hemizygous variant in RPGR (NM_000328.3: c.1302dup, p.L435Sfs*18) that explained the ocular phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Continued genetics evaluation can help to end diagnostic odysseys of patients. Careful consideration of genes represented when utilizing gene panels is crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Medically underserved populations are less likely to receive comprehensive genetic testing in their diagnostic workup. Our report is an example of the medical impact of genomic medicine implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. German
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Blake Vuocolo
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Liesbeth Vossaert
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Baylor Genetics LaboratoriesHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Nichole Owen
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Baylor Genetics LaboratoriesHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Richard A. Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Lisa Saba
- Department of PathologyTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | | | - Michael F. Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
- Texas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Sandesh Nagamani
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Texas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
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7
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McLoughlin DE, Chevalier N, Choy E, Cote GM, Gao X, Juric D, Reynolds KL. A Rare Presentation of Aggressive Renal Cell Carcinoma and the Utility of Early Molecular Testing in Rapidly Progressing Malignancies: A Case Report. Oncologist 2023; 28:1094-1099. [PMID: 37844295 PMCID: PMC10712707 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad280] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In rapidly progressing cancers, appropriate selection of first-line therapy is essential in prolonging survival. Alongside immunohistochemistry (IHC), comprehensive genomics, including whole exome and transcriptome sequencing (WES/WTS), can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide therapeutic management. Here, we report a young patient with rapidly progressing malignancy and unexpected post-mortem results, a scenario that may have been altered by early, comprehensive genomic sequencing. A 43-year-old man with no relevant medical history presented to the emergency department with progressive cough and dyspnea despite treatment for pneumonia. Radiology revealed enlarged subcarinal, hilar, retroperitoneal, and mesenteric lymph nodes, suspicious for metastasis, and a right kidney mass. Pathologic analysis of a retroperitoneal lymph node was felt to be most consistent with metastatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma (mEAML). Three weeks later, he was urgently treated with an mTOR inhibitor for presumed mEAML due to rapid clinical decline, and a subsequent 4R lymph node biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis and identify genomic targets via IHC and WES/WTS. Unfortunately, he developed hypoxic respiratory failure, and only posthumously did WES/WTS reveal pathogenic variants in BAP1 and VHL, consistent with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). With an earlier ccRCC diagnosis, he would have received combination immunotherapy/tyrosine kinase inhibition, which has significantly greater activity than mTOR inhibition in ccRCC. He could have received systemic treatment earlier, with optimal therapy, while potentially carrying lower tumor burden and greater clinical stability. In cases of rapidly progressing malignancies with complex histopathological presentations, early comprehensive molecular-based testing can aid in diagnosis and critical therapeutic decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E McLoughlin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Chevalier
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edwin Choy
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory M Cote
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xin Gao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dejan Juric
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kerry L Reynolds
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Waung MW, Ma F, Wheeler AG, Zai CC, So J. The Diagnostic Landscape of Adult Neurogenetic Disorders. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1459. [PMID: 38132285 PMCID: PMC10740572 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenetic diseases affect individuals across the lifespan, but accurate diagnosis remains elusive for many patients. Adults with neurogenetic disorders often undergo a long diagnostic odyssey, with multiple specialist evaluations and countless investigations without a satisfactory diagnostic outcome. Reasons for these diagnostic challenges include: (1) clinical features of neurogenetic syndromes are diverse and under-recognized, particularly those of adult-onset, (2) neurogenetic syndromes may manifest with symptoms that span multiple neurological and medical subspecialties, and (3) a positive family history may not be present or readily apparent. Furthermore, there is a large gap in the understanding of how to apply genetic diagnostic tools in adult patients, as most of the published literature focuses on the pediatric population. Despite these challenges, accurate genetic diagnosis is imperative to provide affected individuals and their families guidance on prognosis, recurrence risk, and, for an increasing number of disorders, offer targeted treatment. Here, we provide a framework for recognizing adult neurogenetic syndromes, describe the current diagnostic approach, and highlight studies using next-generation sequencing in different neurological disease cohorts. We also discuss diagnostic pitfalls, barriers to achieving a definitive diagnosis, and emerging technology that may increase the diagnostic yield of testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie W. Waung
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Fion Ma
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Allison G. Wheeler
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Clement C. Zai
- Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Molecular Brain Science, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Science, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Joyce So
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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9
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Chen F, Ahimaz P, Wang K, Chung WK, Ta C, Weng C, Liu C. Phenotype-Driven Molecular Genetic Test Recommendation for Diagnosing Pediatric Rare Disorders. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3593490. [PMID: 38045411 PMCID: PMC10690317 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3593490/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Rare disease patients often endure prolonged diagnostic odysseys and may still remain undiagnosed for years. Selecting the appropriate genetic tests is crucial to lead to timely diagnosis. Phenotypic features offer great potential for aiding genomic diagnosis in rare disease cases. We see great promise in effective integration of phenotypic information into genetic test selection workflow. In this study, we present a phenotype-driven molecular genetic test recommendation (Phen2Test) for pediatric rare disease diagnosis. Phen2Test was constructed using frequency matrix of phecodes and demographic data from the EHR before ordering genetic tests, with the objective to streamline the selection of molecular genetic tests (whole-exome / whole-genome sequencing, or gene panels) for clinicians with minimum genetic training expertise. We developed and evaluated binary classifiers based on 1,005 individuals referred to genetic counselors for potential genetic evaluation. In the evaluation using the gold standard cohort, the model achieved strong performance with an AUROC of 0.82 and an AUPRC of 0.92. Furthermore, we tested the model on another silver standard cohort (n=6,458), achieving an overall AUROC of 0.72 and an AUPRC of 0.671. Phen2Test was adjusted to align with current clinical guidelines, showing superior performance with more recent data, demonstrating its potential for use within a learning healthcare system as a genomic medicine intervention that adapts to guideline updates. This study showcases the practical utility of phenotypic features in recommending molecular genetic tests with performance comparable to clinical geneticists. Phen2Test could assist clinicians with limited genetic training and knowledge to order appropriate genetic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Priyanka Ahimaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wendy K. Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Casey Ta
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Nomura F, Shimizu A, Togi S, Ura H, Niida Y. SNP Array Screening and Long Range PCR-Based Targeted Next Generation Sequencing for Autosomal Recessive Disease with Consanguinity: Insight from a Case of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group C. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2079. [PMID: 38003022 PMCID: PMC10671442 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in genetic technologies have made genetic testing more accessible than ever before. However, depending on national, regional, legal, and health insurance circumstances, testing procedures may still need to be streamlined in real-world clinical practice. In cases of autosomal recessive disease with consanguinity, the mutation locus is necessarily isodisomy because both alleles originate from a common ancestral chromosome. Based on this premise, we implemented integrated genetic diagnostic methods using SNP array screening and long range PCR-based targeted NGS in a Japanese patient with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) under the limitation of the national health insurance system. SNP array results showed isodisomy only in XPC and ERCC4 loci. NGS, with a minimal set of long-range PCR primers, detected a homozygous frameshift mutation in XPC; NM_004628.5:c.218_219insT p.(Lys73AsnfsTer9), confirmed by Sanger sequencing, leading to a rapid diagnosis of XP group C. This shortcut strategy is applicable to all autosomal recessive diseases caused by consanguineous marriages, especially in scenarios with a moderate number of genes to test, a common occurrence in clinical genetic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumie Nomura
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan (A.S.)
| | - Akira Shimizu
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan (A.S.)
| | - Sumihito Togi
- Center for Clinical Genomics, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan (H.U.)
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Division of Genomic Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ura
- Center for Clinical Genomics, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan (H.U.)
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Division of Genomic Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yo Niida
- Center for Clinical Genomics, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan (H.U.)
- Department of Advanced Medicine, Division of Genomic Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada 920-0293, Japan
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11
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Nguyen AA, Habiballah SB, LaBere B, Day-Lewis M, Elkins M, Al-Musa A, Chu A, Jones J, Fried AJ, McDonald D, Hoytema van Konijnenburg DP, Rockowitz S, Sliz P, Oettgen HC, Schneider LC, MacGinnitie A, Bartnikas LM, Platt CD, Ohsumi TK, Chou J. Rethinking Immunological Risk: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Severe SARS-Cov-2 Infections in Individuals With Congenital Immunodeficiencies. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:3391-3399.e3. [PMID: 37544429 PMCID: PMC10839118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Debates on the allocation of medical resources during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic revealed the need for a better understanding of immunological risk. Studies highlighted variable clinical outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in individuals with defects in both adaptive and innate immunity, suggesting additional contributions from other factors. Notably, none of these studies controlled for variables linked with social determinants of health. OBJECTIVE To determine the contributions of determinants of health to risk of hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with inborn errors of immunodeficiencies. METHODS This is a retrospective, single-center cohort study of 166 individuals with inborn errors of immunity, aged 2 months through 69 years, who developed SARS-CoV-2 infections from March 1, 2020, through March 31, 2022. Risks of hospitalization were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The risk of SARS-CoV-2-related hospitalization was associated with underrepresented racial and ethnic populations (odds ratio [OR] 4.50; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.57-13.4), a diagnosis of any genetically defined immunodeficiency (OR 3.32; 95% CI 1.24-9.43), obesity (OR 4.24; 95% CI 1.38-13.3), and neurological disease (OR 4.47; 95% CI 1.44-14.3). The COVID-19 vaccination was associated with reduced hospitalization risk (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.31-0.81). Defects in T cell and innate immune function, immune-mediated organ dysfunction, and social vulnerability were not associated with increased risk of hospitalization after controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS The associations between race, ethnicity, and obesity with increased risk of hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection indicate the importance of variables linked with social determinants of health as immunological risk factors for individuals with inborn errors of immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan A Nguyen
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Saddiq B Habiballah
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Brenna LaBere
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Megan Day-Lewis
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Megan Elkins
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Amer Al-Musa
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Anne Chu
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Jennifer Jones
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Ari J Fried
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Douglas McDonald
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | | | - Shira Rockowitz
- Research Computing, Information Technology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Piotr Sliz
- Research Computing, Information Technology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Division of Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hans C Oettgen
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lynda C Schneider
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Andrew MacGinnitie
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lisa M Bartnikas
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Craig D Platt
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | | | - Janet Chou
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
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12
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Borden C, Tan XY, Roberts MB, Mazzola S, Zhao F, Schenk P, Simon JF, Gadegbeku C, Sedor J, Wang X. Black Patients Equally Benefit From Renal Genetics Evaluation but Substantial Barriers in Access Exist. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2068-2076. [PMID: 37850009 PMCID: PMC10577329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Genetic testing is increasingly accessible to patients with kidney diseases. Racial disparities in renal genetics evaluations have not been investigated. Methods A cohort of patients evaluated by the Cleveland Clinic Renal Genetics Clinic (RGC) from January 2019 to March 2022 was analyzed. Results Forty-eight Black patients, including 27 (56.3%) males, median age 34 (22-49) years and 232 White patients, including 76 (32.8%) males, median age 35 (21-53) years, were evaluated. Black patients were more likely to have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at the time of referral compared with White patients (23% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.004), more likely to be covered by Medicaid (46% vs. 15%, P < 0.001), and less likely to be covered by private insurance (35% vs. 66%, P < 0.001). Black patients were more likely to "no show" to scheduled appointment(s) or not submit specimens for genetic testing compared with White patients (24.1% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.0005). Genetic testing was completed in 35 Black patients. Of these, 37% had a positive result with 9 unique monogenic disorders and 1 chromosomal disorder diagnosed. Sixty-nine percent of Black patients with positive results received a new diagnosis or a change in diagnosis. Of these, 44% received a significant change in disease management. No differences in diagnostic yield and implications of management were noted between Black and White patients. Conclusion Black patients equally benefit from renal genetics evaluation, but barriers to access exist. Steps must be taken to ensure equitable and early access for all patients. Further studies investigating specific interventions to improve access are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Borden
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Xin Yee Tan
- Department of Kidney Medicine, Medical Specialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mary-Beth Roberts
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Mazzola
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Philip Schenk
- Department of Kidney Medicine, Medical Specialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James F. Simon
- Department of Kidney Medicine, Medical Specialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Crystal Gadegbeku
- Department of Kidney Medicine, Medical Specialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John Sedor
- Department of Kidney Medicine, Medical Specialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xiangling Wang
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Kidney Medicine, Medical Specialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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13
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Chung CCY, Hue SPY, Ng NYT, Doong PHL, Chu ATW, Chung BHY. Meta-analysis of the diagnostic and clinical utility of exome and genome sequencing in pediatric and adult patients with rare diseases across diverse populations. Genet Med 2023; 25:100896. [PMID: 37191093 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This meta-analysis aims to compare the diagnostic and clinical utility of exome sequencing (ES) vs genome sequencing (GS) in pediatric and adult patients with rare diseases across diverse populations. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted to identify studies from 2011 to 2021. RESULTS One hundred sixty-one studies across 31 countries/regions were eligible, featuring 50,417 probands of diverse populations. Diagnostic rates of ES (0.38, 95% CI 0.36-0.40) and GS (0.34, 95% CI 0.30-0.38) were similar (P = .1). Within-cohort comparison illustrated 1.2-times odds of diagnosis by GS over ES (95% CI 0.79-1.83, P = .38). GS studies discovered a higher range of novel genes than ES studies; yet, the rate of variant of unknown significance did not differ (P = .78). Among high-quality studies, clinical utility of GS (0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.90) was higher than that of ES (0.44, 95% CI 0.30-0.58) (P < .01). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis provides an important update to demonstrate the similar diagnostic rates between ES and GS and the higher clinical utility of GS over ES. With the newly published recommendations for clinical interpretation of variants found in noncoding regions of the genome and the trend of decreasing variant of unknown significance and GS cost, it is expected that GS will be more widely used in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shirley P Y Hue
- Hong Kong Genome Institute, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Nicole Y T Ng
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Phoenix H L Doong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Annie T W Chu
- Hong Kong Genome Institute, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Brian H Y Chung
- Hong Kong Genome Institute, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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14
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Wojcik MH, Reuter CM, Marwaha S, Mahmoud M, Duyzend MH, Barseghyan H, Yuan B, Boone PM, Groopman EE, Délot EC, Jain D, Sanchis-Juan A, Starita LM, Talkowski M, Montgomery SB, Bamshad MJ, Chong JX, Wheeler MT, Berger SI, O'Donnell-Luria A, Sedlazeck FJ, Miller DE. Beyond the exome: What's next in diagnostic testing for Mendelian conditions. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1229-1248. [PMID: 37541186 PMCID: PMC10432150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in clinical genetic testing, including the introduction of exome sequencing (ES), more than 50% of individuals with a suspected Mendelian condition lack a precise molecular diagnosis. Clinical evaluation is increasingly undertaken by specialists outside of clinical genetics, often occurring in a tiered fashion and typically ending after ES. The current diagnostic rate reflects multiple factors, including technical limitations, incomplete understanding of variant pathogenicity, missing genotype-phenotype associations, complex gene-environment interactions, and reporting differences between clinical labs. Maintaining a clear understanding of the rapidly evolving landscape of diagnostic tests beyond ES, and their limitations, presents a challenge for non-genetics professionals. Newer tests, such as short-read genome or RNA sequencing, can be challenging to order, and emerging technologies, such as optical genome mapping and long-read DNA sequencing, are not available clinically. Furthermore, there is no clear guidance on the next best steps after inconclusive evaluation. Here, we review why a clinical genetic evaluation may be negative, discuss questions to be asked in this setting, and provide a framework for further investigation, including the advantages and disadvantages of new approaches that are nascent in the clinical sphere. We present a guide for the next best steps after inconclusive molecular testing based upon phenotype and prior evaluation, including when to consider referral to research consortia focused on elucidating the underlying cause of rare unsolved genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica H Wojcik
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chloe M Reuter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shruti Marwaha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Medhat Mahmoud
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael H Duyzend
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hayk Barseghyan
- Center for Genetics Medicine Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Philip M Boone
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emily E Groopman
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emmanuèle C Délot
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Center for Genetics Medicine Research, Children's National Research and Innovation Campus, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Deepti Jain
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alba Sanchis-Juan
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lea M Starita
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael Talkowski
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen B Montgomery
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael J Bamshad
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jessica X Chong
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Matthew T Wheeler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Seth I Berger
- Center for Genetics Medicine Research and Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Anne O'Donnell-Luria
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Fritz J Sedlazeck
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Danny E Miller
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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15
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Serrano JG, O'Leary M, VanNoy GE, Mangilog BE, Holm IA, Fraiman YS, Rehm HL, O'Donnell-Luria A, Wojcik MH. Advancing Understanding of Inequities in Rare Disease Genomics. Clin Ther 2023; 45:745-753. [PMID: 37517917 PMCID: PMC10527807 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advances in genomic research have facilitated rare disease diagnosis for thousands of individuals. Unfortunately, the benefits of advanced genetic diagnostic technology are not distributed equitably among the population, as has been seen in many other health care contexts. Quantifying and describing inequities in genetic diagnostic yield is inherently challenging due to barriers to both clinical and research genetic testing. We therefore present an implementation protocol developed to expand access to our rare disease genomic research study and to further understand existing inequities. METHODS AND FINDINGS The Rare Genomes Project (RGP) at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard offers research genome sequencing to individuals with rare disease who remain genetically undiagnosed through direct interaction with the individual or family. This presents an opportunity for diagnosis beyond the clinical context, thus eliminating many barriers to access. An initial goal of RGP was to equalize access to genomic sequencing by decoupling testing access from proximity to a major medical center and physician referral. However, study participants over the initial 3 years of this project were predominantly white and well resourced. To further understand and address the lack of diversity within RGP, we developed a novel protocol embedded within the larger RGP study, in an approach informed by an implementation science framework. The aims of this protocol were: (1) to diversify recruitment and enrollment within RGP; (2) understand the process and context of implementing genomic medicine for rare disease diagnosis; and (3) investigate the value of a diagnosis for underserved populations. IMPLICATIONS Improved understanding of existing inequities and potential strategies to address them are needed to advance equity in rare disease genetic diagnosis and research. In addition to the moral imperative of equity in genomic medicine, this approach is critical in order to fully understand the genomic underpinnings of rare disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian G Serrano
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melanie O'Leary
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grace E VanNoy
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian E Mangilog
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid A Holm
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yarden S Fraiman
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anne O'Donnell-Luria
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monica H Wojcik
- Broad Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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16
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Lantos JD, Brunelli L, Hayeems RZ. Understanding the Clinical Utility of Genome Sequencing in Critically Ill Newborns. J Pediatr 2023; 258:113438. [PMID: 37088180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic genome sequencing (GS) in newborns may have many benefits. More accurate diagnosis could spur the development of innovative genomic therapies. A precise diagnosis could help doctors and parents anticipate clinical problems and inform a family's future reproductive choices. However, the integration of GS into neonatal care remains associated with a variety of ethical controversies, including concerns about informed consent, about interpreting uncertain results, about resource allocation and whether access to genomic services could exacerbate health disparities, and about the effect of genome diagnostics on people with disabilities. There also remains significant uncertainty about which babies should be tested and when and how the potential benefits of GS ought to be measured. Probably related to these challenges, some payors have been reluctant to cover the cost of GS for critically ill newborns. Much of the reluctance appears to turn on questions about the clinical benefit associated with GS and whether and for whom GS will be cost-effective. These situations point to the urgent need for careful assessments of the clinical utility of GS in critically ill infants. In this paper, we critically examine the ways in which the clinical utility of GS has been evaluated in this patient population. We focus on "change of management" (COM), a widely used measure of clinical utility for diagnostic GS. We suggest that this measure is often ambiguous because not all COMs can be attributed to genomic results and because not all COMs lead to patient benefit. Finally, we suggest ways that measurement of clinical utility could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Brunelli
- University of Utah/Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Robin Z Hayeems
- The Hospital for Sick Children/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Nguyen AA, Habiballah SB, LaBere B, Day-Lewis M, Elkins M, Al-Musa A, Chu A, Jones J, Fried AJ, McDonald D, van Konijnenburg DPH, Rockowitz S, Sliz P, Oettgen HC, Schneider LC, MacGinnitie A, Bartnikas LM, Platt CD, Ohsumi TK, Chou J. Rethinking immunologic risk: a retrospective cohort study of severe SARS-CoV-2 infections in individuals with congenital immunodeficiencies. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.01.23290843. [PMID: 37333367 PMCID: PMC10275008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.01.23290843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Debates on the allocation of medical resources during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the need for a better understanding of immunologic risk. Studies highlighted variable clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections in individuals with defects in both adaptive and innate immunity, suggesting additional contributions from other factors. Notably, none of these studies controlled for variables linked with social determinants of health. Objective To determine the contributions of determinants of health to risk of hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with inborn errors of immunodeficiencies. Methods This is a retrospective, single-center cohort study of 166 individuals with inborn errors of immunity, aged two months through 69 years, who developed SARS-CoV-2 infections from March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022. Risks of hospitalization was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results The risk of SARS-CoV-2-related hospitalization was associated with underrepresented racial and ethnic populations (odds ratio [OR] 5.29; confidence interval [CI], 1.76-17.0), a diagnosis of any genetically-defined immunodeficiency (OR 4.62; CI, 1.60-14.8), use of B cell depleting therapy within one year of infection (OR 6.1; CI, 1.05-38.5), obesity (OR 3.74; CI, 1.17-12.5), and neurologic disease (OR 5.38; CI, 1.61-17.8). COVID-19 vaccination was associated with reduced hospitalization risk (OR 0.52; CI, 0.31-0.81). Defective T cell function, immune-mediated organ dysfunction, and social vulnerability were not associated with increased risk of hospitalization after controlling for covariates. Conclusions The associations between race, ethnicity, and obesity with increased risk of hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection indicate the importance of variables linked with social determinants of health as immunologic risk factors for individuals with inborn errors of immunity. Highlights What is already known about this topic? Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections in individuals with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are highly variable. Prior studies of patients with IEI have not controlled for race or social vulnerability. What does this article add to our knowledge ? For individuals with IEI, hospitalizations for SARS-CoV-2 were associated with race, ethnicity, obesity, and neurologic disease. Specific types of immunodeficiency, organ dysfunction, and social vulnerability were not associated with increased risk of hospitalization. How does this study impact current management guidelines? Current guidelines for the management of IEIs focus on risk conferred by genetic and cellular mechanisms. This study highlights the importance of considering variables linked with social determinants of health and common comorbidities as immunologic risk factors.
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18
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Zion TN, Berrios CD, Cohen ASA, Bartik L, Cross LA, Engleman KL, Fleming EA, Gadea RN, Hughes SS, Jenkins JL, Kussmann J, Lawson C, Schwager C, Strenk ME, Welsh H, Rush ET, Amudhavalli SM, Sullivan BR, Zhou D, Gannon JL, Heese BA, Moore R, Boillat E, Biswell RL, Louiselle DA, Puckett LMB, Beyer S, Neal SH, Sierant V, McBeth M, Belden B, Walter AM, Gibson M, Cheung WA, Johnston JJ, Thiffault I, Farrow EG, Grundberg E, Pastinen T. Insurance denials and diagnostic rates in a pediatric genomic research cohort. Genet Med 2023; 25:100020. [PMID: 36718845 PMCID: PMC10584034 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess the amount and types of clinical genetic testing denied by insurance and the rate of diagnostic and candidate genetic findings identified through research in patients who faced insurance denials. METHODS Analysis consisted of review of insurance denials in 801 patients enrolled in a pediatric genomic research repository with either no previous genetic testing or previous negative genetic testing result identified through cross-referencing with insurance prior-authorizations in patient medical records. Patients and denials were also categorized by type of insurance coverage. Diagnostic findings and candidate genetic findings in these groups were determined through review of our internal variant database and patient charts. RESULTS Of the 801 patients analyzed, 147 had insurance prior-authorization denials on record (18.3%). Exome sequencing and microarray were the most frequently denied genetic tests. Private insurance was significantly more likely to deny testing than public insurance (odds ratio = 2.03 [95% CI = 1.38-2.99] P = .0003). Of the 147 patients with insurance denials, 53.7% had at least 1 diagnostic or candidate finding and 10.9% specifically had a clinically diagnostic finding. Fifty percent of patients with clinically diagnostic results had immediate medical management changes (5.4% of all patients experiencing denials). CONCLUSION Many patients face a major barrier to genetic testing in the form of lack of insurance coverage. A number of these patients have clinically diagnostic findings with medical management implications that would not have been identified without access to research testing. These findings support re-evaluation of insurance carriers' coverage policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia N Zion
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO.
| | - Courtney D Berrios
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Ana S A Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Lauren Bartik
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Professional Health Sciences, Kansas City, MO
| | - Laura A Cross
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Kendra L Engleman
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Emily A Fleming
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Randi N Gadea
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Susan S Hughes
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Janda L Jenkins
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Jennifer Kussmann
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Caitlin Lawson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Caitlin Schwager
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Meghan E Strenk
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Holly Welsh
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Eric T Rush
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO
| | - Shivarajan M Amudhavalli
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Bonnie R Sullivan
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Dihong Zhou
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Jennifer L Gannon
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Bryce A Heese
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Riley Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Emelia Boillat
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Rebecca L Biswell
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Daniel A Louiselle
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Laura M B Puckett
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Shanna Beyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Shelby H Neal
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Victoria Sierant
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Macy McBeth
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Bradley Belden
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Adam M Walter
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Margaret Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Warren A Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Jeffrey J Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Isabelle Thiffault
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Emily G Farrow
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Elin Grundberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
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Grant P, Cook CB, Langlois S, Nuk J, Mung S, Zhang Q, Lynd LD, Austin J, Elliott AM. Evaluation of out-of-pocket pay genetic testing in a publicly funded healthcare system. Clin Genet 2023; 103:424-433. [PMID: 36504324 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
When genetic tests are not funded publicly, out-of-pocket (OOP) pay options may be discussed with patients. We evaluated trends in genetic testing and OOP pay for two publicly funded British Columbia clinical programs serving >12 000 patients/year (The Hereditary Cancer Program [HCP] and Provincial Medical Genetics Program [PMGP]) between 2015-2019. Linear and regression models were used to explore the association of OOP pay with patient demographic variables at HCP. An interrupted time series and linear and logistic regression models were used on PMGP data to examine the effect of a change in the funding body. The total number of tests completed through PMGP, and HCP increased by 260% and 320%, respectively. OOP pay increased at HCP by 730%. The mean annual income of patients who paid OOP at HCP was ≥$3500 higher than in the group with funded testing (p < 0.0001). The likelihood of OOP pay increased at PMGP before the funding body change (OR per month: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.10); while this likelihood had an immediate 87% drop when the change occurred (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.32). Patients with higher incomes are more likely to pay OOP. Financial barriers can create disparities in clinical outcomes. Funding decisions have a significant impact on rate of OOP pay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Grant
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Courtney B Cook
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sylvie Langlois
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Nuk
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - SzeWing Mung
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Qian Zhang
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Larry D Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (CHEOS), Providence Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison M Elliott
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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20
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Parekh B, Beil A, Blevins B, Jacobson A, Williams P, Innis JW, Barone Pritchard A, Prasov L. Design and Outcomes of a Novel Multidisciplinary Ophthalmic Genetics Clinic. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:726. [PMID: 36980998 PMCID: PMC10048684 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Multidisciplinary Ophthalmic Genetics Clinic (MOGC) at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center aims to provide medical and ophthalmic genetics care to patients with inherited ocular conditions. We have developed a clinical and referral workflow where each patient undergoes coordinated evaluation by our multidisciplinary team followed by discussions on diagnosis, prognosis, and genetic testing. Testing approaches are specific to each patient and can be targeted (single-gene, gene panel), broad (chromosomal microarray, whole-exome sequencing), or a combination. We hypothesize that this clinic model improves patient outcomes and quality of care. A retrospective chart review of patients in the MOGC from July 2020 to October 2022 revealed that the most common referral diagnoses were congenital cataracts, optic neuropathy, and microphthalmia, with 52% syndromic cases. Within this patient cohort, we saw a 76% uptake for genetic testing, among which 33% received a diagnostic test result. Our results support a tailored approach to genetic testing for specific conditions. Through case examples, we highlight the power and impact of our clinic. By integrating ophthalmic care with medical genetics and counseling, the MOGC has not only helped solve individual patient diagnostic challenges but has aided the greater population in novel genetic discoveries and research towards targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bela Parekh
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Adelyn Beil
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bridget Blevins
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Adam Jacobson
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Pamela Williams
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Innis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Lev Prasov
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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21
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Streff H, Uhles CL, Fisher H, Franciskovich R, Littlejohn RO, Gerard A, Hudnall J, Smith HS. Access to clinically indicated genetic tests for pediatric patients with Medicaid: Evidence from outpatient genetics clinics in Texas. Genet Med 2023; 25:100350. [PMID: 36547467 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about how Medicaid coverage policies affect access to genetic tests for pediatric patients. Building upon and extending a previous analysis of prior authorization requests (PARs), we describe expected coverage of genetic tests submitted to Texas Medicaid and the PAR and diagnostic outcomes of those tests. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed genetic tests ordered at 3 pediatric outpatient genetics clinics in Texas. We compared Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes with the Texas Medicaid fee-for-service schedule (FFSS) to determine whether tests were expected to be covered by Medicaid. We assessed completion and diagnostic yield of commonly ordered tests. RESULTS Among the 3388 total tests submitted to Texas Medicaid, 68.9% (n = 2336) used at least 1 CPT code that was not on the FFSS and 80.7% (n = 2735) received a favorable PAR outcome. Of the tests with a CPT code not on the FFSS, 60.0% (n = 1400) received a favorable PAR outcome and were completed and 20.5% (n = 287) were diagnostic. The diagnostic yield of all tests with a favorable PAR outcome that were completed was 18.7% (n = 380/2029). CONCLUSION Most PARs submitted to Texas Medicaid used a CPT code for which reimbursement from Texas Medicaid was not guaranteed. The frequency with which clinically indicated genetic tests were not listed on the Texas Medicaid FFSS suggests misalignment between genetic testing needs and coverage policies. Our findings can inform updates to Medicaid policies to reduce coverage uncertainty and expand access to genetic tests with high diagnostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Streff
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
| | - Crescenda L Uhles
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Heather Fisher
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Rachel Franciskovich
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Amanda Gerard
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Julianna Hudnall
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Hadley Stevens Smith
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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22
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Graifman JL, Lippa NC, Mulhern MS, Bergner AL, Sands TT. Clinical utility of exome sequencing in a pediatric epilepsy cohort. Epilepsia 2023; 64:986-997. [PMID: 36740579 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exome sequencing (ES) has played an important role in the identification of causative variants for individuals with epilepsy and has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool. Less is known about its clinical utility once a diagnosis is received. This study systematically reviewed the impact of ES results on clinical decision-making and patient care in a pediatric epilepsy cohort at a tertiary care medical center. METHODS Pediatric patients with unexplained epilepsy were referred by their neurologist, and informed consent was obtained through an institutional review board-approved research ES protocol. For patients who received a genetic diagnosis, a retrospective chart review was completed of the probands and their relatives' medical records prior to and after genetic diagnosis. The following outcomes were explored: provider management recommendations, changes in care actually implemented, and anticipatory guidance provided regarding the proband's condition. RESULTS Fifty-three probands met the inclusion criteria. Genetic diagnosis led to at least one provider recommendation in 41.5% families (22/53). Recommendations were observed in the following categories: medication, screening for non-neurological comorbidities/referrals to specialists, referrals to clinical research/trials, and cascade testing. Anticipatory guidance including information about molecular diagnosis, prognosis, and relevant foundations/advocacy groups was also observed. SIGNIFICANCE Results demonstrate the clinical utility of ES for individuals with epilepsy across multiple aspects of patient care, including anti-seizure medication (ASM) selection; screening for non-neurological comorbidities and referrals to appropriate medical specialists; referral to reproductive genetic counseling; and access to research, information, and support resources. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the clinical utility of ES for a pediatric epilepsy cohort with broad epilepsy phenotypes. This work supports the implementation of ES as part of clinical care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana L Graifman
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Natalie C Lippa
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maureen S Mulhern
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda L Bergner
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tristan T Sands
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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23
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Alix T, Chéry C, Josse T, Bronowicki JP, Feillet F, Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Namour F, Guéant JL, Oussalah A. Predictors of the utility of clinical exome sequencing as a first-tier genetic test in patients with Mendelian phenotypes: results from a referral center study on 603 consecutive cases. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:5. [PMID: 36740706 PMCID: PMC9899384 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical exome sequencing (CES) provides a comprehensive and effective analysis of relevant disease-associated genes in a cost-effective manner compared to whole exome sequencing. Although several studies have focused on the diagnostic yield of CES, no study has assessed predictors of CES utility among patients with various Mendelian phenotypes. We assessed the effectiveness of CES as a first-level genetic test for molecular diagnosis in patients with a Mendelian phenotype and explored independent predictors of the clinical utility of CES. RESULTS Between January 2016 and December 2019, 603 patients (426 probands and 177 siblings) underwent CES at the Department of Molecular Medicine of the University Hospital of Nancy. The median age of the probands was 34 years (IQR, 12-48), and the proportion of males was 46.9% (200/426). Adults and children represented 64.8% (276/426) and 35.2% (150/426), respectively. The median test-to-report time was 5.6 months (IQR, 4.1-7.2). CES revealed 203 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 160 patients, corresponding to a diagnostic yield of 37.6% (160/426). Independent predictors of CES utility were criteria strongly suggestive of an extreme phenotype, including pediatric presentation and patient phenotypes associated with an increased risk of a priori probability of a monogenic disorder, the inclusion of at least one family member in addition to the proband, and a CES prescription performed by an expert in the field of rare genetic disorders. CONCLUSIONS Based on a large dataset of consecutive patients with various Mendelian phenotypes referred for CES as a first-tier genetic test, we report a diagnostic yield of ~ 40% and several independent predictors of CES utility that might improve CES diagnostic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Alix
- grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Nutrition, Department of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Céline Chéry
- grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Nutrition, Department of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.29172.3f0000 0001 2194 6418INSERM UMR_S 1256, Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure (NGERE), Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 9 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ORPHA67872), University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Thomas Josse
- grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Nutrition, Department of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Bronowicki
- grid.29172.3f0000 0001 2194 6418INSERM UMR_S 1256, Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure (NGERE), Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 9 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - François Feillet
- grid.29172.3f0000 0001 2194 6418INSERM UMR_S 1256, Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure (NGERE), Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 9 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ORPHA67872), University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Rosa-Maria Guéant-Rodriguez
- grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Nutrition, Department of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.29172.3f0000 0001 2194 6418INSERM UMR_S 1256, Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure (NGERE), Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 9 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ORPHA67872), University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Farès Namour
- grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Nutrition, Department of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.29172.3f0000 0001 2194 6418INSERM UMR_S 1256, Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure (NGERE), Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 9 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ORPHA67872), University Hospital of Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Nutrition, Department of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000, Nancy, France. .,INSERM UMR_S 1256, Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure (NGERE), Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 9 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54000, Nancy, France. .,Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ORPHA67872), University Hospital of Nancy, 54000, Nancy, France.
| | - Abderrahim Oussalah
- Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Nutrition, Department of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Nancy, 54000, Nancy, France. .,INSERM UMR_S 1256, Nutrition, Genetics, and Environmental Risk Exposure (NGERE), Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, University of Lorraine, 9 Avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54000, Nancy, France. .,Reference Center for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ORPHA67872), University Hospital of Nancy, 54000, Nancy, France.
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24
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Wojcik MH, Reuter CM, Marwaha S, Mahmoud M, Duyzend MH, Barseghyan H, Yuan B, Boone PM, Groopman EE, Délot EC, Jain D, Sanchis-Juan A, Starita LM, Talkowski M, Montgomery SB, Bamshad MJ, Chong JX, Wheeler MT, Berger SI, O’Donnell-Luria A, Sedlazeck FJ, Miller DE. Beyond the exome: what's next in diagnostic testing for Mendelian conditions. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2301.07363v1. [PMID: 36713248 PMCID: PMC9882576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in clinical genetic testing, including the introduction of exome sequencing (ES), more than 50% of individuals with a suspected Mendelian condition lack a precise molecular diagnosis. Clinical evaluation is increasingly undertaken by specialists outside of clinical genetics, often occurring in a tiered fashion and typically ending after ES. The current diagnostic rate reflects multiple factors, including technical limitations, incomplete understanding of variant pathogenicity, missing genotype-phenotype associations, complex gene-environment interactions, and reporting differences between clinical labs. Maintaining a clear understanding of the rapidly evolving landscape of diagnostic tests beyond ES, and their limitations, presents a challenge for non-genetics professionals. Newer tests, such as short-read genome or RNA sequencing, can be challenging to order and emerging technologies, such as optical genome mapping and long-read DNA or RNA sequencing, are not available clinically. Furthermore, there is no clear guidance on the next best steps after inconclusive evaluation. Here, we review why a clinical genetic evaluation may be negative, discuss questions to be asked in this setting, and provide a framework for further investigation, including the advantages and disadvantages of new approaches that are nascent in the clinical sphere. We present a guide for the next best steps after inconclusive molecular testing based upon phenotype and prior evaluation, including when to consider referral to a consortium such as GREGoR, which is focused on elucidating the underlying cause of rare unsolved genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica H. Wojcik
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chloe M. Reuter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Shruti Marwaha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Medhat Mahmoud
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Michael H. Duyzend
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Hayk Barseghyan
- Center for Genetics Medicine Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston TX 77030 USA
| | - Philip M. Boone
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Emily E. Groopman
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Emmanuèle C. Délot
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA
- Center for Genetics Medicine Research, Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Deepti Jain
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195 USA
| | - Alba Sanchis-Juan
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | | | - Lea M. Starita
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA
| | - Michael Talkowski
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Stephen B. Montgomery
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Michael J. Bamshad
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Jessica X. Chong
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Matthew T. Wheeler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Seth I. Berger
- Center for Genetics Medicine Research and Rare Disease Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| | - Anne O’Donnell-Luria
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Fritz J. Sedlazeck
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston TX 77030 USA
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005 USA
| | - Danny E. Miller
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA
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25
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Frazier ZJ, Brown E, Rockowitz S, Lee T, Zhang B, Sveden A, Chamberlin NL, Dies KA, Poduri A, Sliz P, Chopra M. Toward representative genomic research: the children's rare disease cohorts experience. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2023; 4:26330040231181406. [PMID: 37621556 PMCID: PMC10445838 DOI: 10.1177/26330040231181406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Due to racial, cultural, and linguistic marginalization, some populations experience disproportionate barriers to genetic testing in both clinical and research settings. It is difficult to track such disparities due to non-inclusive self-reported race and ethnicity categories within the electronic health record (EHR). Inclusion and access for all populations is critical to achieve health equity and to capture the full spectrum of rare genetic disease. Objective We aimed to create revised race and ethnicity categories. Additionally, we identified racial and ethnic under-representation amongst three cohorts: (1) the general Boston Children's Hospital patient population (general BCH), (2) the BCH patient population that underwent clinical genomic testing (clinical sequencing), and (3) Children's Rare Disease Cohort (CRDC) research initiative participants. Design and Methods Race and ethnicity data were collected from the EHRs of the general BCH, clinical sequencing, and CRDC cohorts. We constructed a single comprehensive set of race and ethnicity categories. EHR-based race and ethnicity variables were mapped within each cohort to the revised categories. Then, the numbers of patients within each revised race and ethnicity category were compared across cohorts. Results There was a significantly lower percentage of Black or African American/African, non-Hispanic/non-Latine individuals in the CRDC cohort compared with the general BCH cohort, but there was no statistically significant difference between the CRDC and the clinical sequencing cohorts. There was a significantly lower percentage of multi-racial, Hispanic/Latine individuals in the CRDC cohort than the clinical sequencing cohort. White, non-Hispanic/non-Latine individuals were over-represented in the CRDC compared to the two other groups. Conclusion We highlight underrepresentation of certain racial and ethnic populations in sequencing cohorts compared to the general hospital population. We propose a range of measures to address these disparities, to strive for equitable future precision medicine-based clinical care and for the benefit of the whole rare disease community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ted Lee
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Piotr Sliz
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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26
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Doyle TA, Conboy E, Halverson CME. Diagnostic deserts: Community-level barriers to appropriate genetics services. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:296-298. [PMID: 36282041 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom A Doyle
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Erin Conboy
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Colin M E Halverson
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Charles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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27
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Lee G, Yu L, Suarez CJ, Stevenson DA, Ling A, Killer L. Factors associated with the time to complete clinical exome sequencing in a pediatric patient population. Genet Med 2022; 24:2028-2033. [PMID: 35951015 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.06.006] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Exome sequencing (ES) is becoming increasingly important for diagnosing rare genetic disorders. Patients and clinicians face several barriers when attempting to obtain ES. This study is aimed to describe factors associated with a longer time interval between provider recommendation of testing and sample collection for ES. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted for insurance-authorized, completed pediatric ES in which initial requests were reviewed by Stanford's Genetic Testing Optimization Service between November 2018 and December 2019. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between the geocoded median household income and 3 different time point intervals defined as time to test, insurance decision, and scheduling/consent. RESULTS Of the 281 charts reviewed, 115 cases were included in the final cohort. The average time from provider preauthorization request to sample collection took 104.4 days, and income was negatively correlated with the length of the insurance decision interval. CONCLUSION Pediatric patients undergo a lengthy, uncertain process when attempting to obtain ES, some of which is associated with income. More research and clinician interventions are required to clarify specific socioeconomic factors that influence the ability to obtain timely ES and develop optimal protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Lee
- Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Master's Program, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Linbo Yu
- Stanford Hospitals and Clinics Genetic Testing Optimization Service, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Carlos J Suarez
- Stanford Hospitals and Clinics Genetic Testing Optimization Service, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA; Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - David A Stevenson
- Stanford Hospitals and Clinics Genetic Testing Optimization Service, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA; Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Albee Ling
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Lindsay Killer
- Stanford Hospitals and Clinics Genetic Testing Optimization Service, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA.
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28
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Abstract
Many large research initiatives have cumulatively enrolled thousands of patients with a range of complex medical issues but no clear genetic etiology. However, it is unclear how researchers, institutions, and funders should manage the data and relationships with those participants who remain undiagnosed when these studies end. In this comment, we outline the current literature relevant to post-study obligations in clinical genomics research and discuss the application of current guidelines to research with undiagnosed participants.
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29
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Receiving results of uncertain clinical relevance from population genetic screening: systematic review & meta-synthesis of qualitative research. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:520-531. [PMID: 35256770 PMCID: PMC9090782 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic screening can be hugely beneficial, yet its expansion poses clinical and ethical challenges due to results of uncertain clinical relevance (such as ‘cystic fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis’/CFSPID). This review systematically identifies, appraises, and synthesises the qualitative research on experiences of receiving results of uncertain clinical relevance from population genetic screening. Eight databases were systematically searched for original qualitative research using the SPIDER framework, and checked against inclusion criteria by the research team and an independent researcher. Nine papers were included (from USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand). PRISMA, ENTREQ, and EMERGE guidance were used to report. Quality was appraised using criteria for qualitative research. All papers focused on parental responses to uncertain results from newborn screening. Data were synthesised using meta-ethnography and first- and second-order constructs. Findings suggest that results of uncertain clinical relevance are often experienced in the same way as a ‘full-blown’ diagnosis. This has significant emotional and behavioural impact, for example adoption of lifestyle-altering disease-focused behaviours. Analysis suggests this may be due to the results not fitting a common medical model, leading recipients to interpret the significance of the result maladaptively. Findings suggest scope for professionals to negotiate and reframe uncertain screening results. Clearer initial communication is needed to reassure recipients there is no immediate severe health risk from these types of results. Public understanding of an appropriate medical model, that accounts for uncertain genetic screening results in a non-threatening way, may be key to maximising the benefits of genomic medicine and minimising potential psychological harm.
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30
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Marwaha S, Knowles JW, Ashley EA. A guide for the diagnosis of rare and undiagnosed disease: beyond the exome. Genome Med 2022; 14:23. [PMID: 35220969 PMCID: PMC8883622 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01026-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractRare diseases affect 30 million people in the USA and more than 300–400 million worldwide, often causing chronic illness, disability, and premature death. Traditional diagnostic techniques rely heavily on heuristic approaches, coupling clinical experience from prior rare disease presentations with the medical literature. A large number of rare disease patients remain undiagnosed for years and many even die without an accurate diagnosis. In recent years, gene panels, microarrays, and exome sequencing have helped to identify the molecular cause of such rare and undiagnosed diseases. These technologies have allowed diagnoses for a sizable proportion (25–35%) of undiagnosed patients, often with actionable findings. However, a large proportion of these patients remain undiagnosed. In this review, we focus on technologies that can be adopted if exome sequencing is unrevealing. We discuss the benefits of sequencing the whole genome and the additional benefit that may be offered by long-read technology, pan-genome reference, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and methyl profiling. We highlight computational methods to help identify regionally distant patients with similar phenotypes or similar genetic mutations. Finally, we describe approaches to automate and accelerate genomic analysis. The strategies discussed here are intended to serve as a guide for clinicians and researchers in the next steps when encountering patients with non-diagnostic exomes.
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31
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Murdock DR, Rosenfeld JA, Lee B. What Has the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Taught Us About the Clinical Applications of Genomic Testing? Annu Rev Med 2022; 73:575-585. [PMID: 35084988 PMCID: PMC10874501 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-042120-014904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Genetic testing has undergone a revolution in the last decade, particularly with the advent of next-generation sequencing and its associated reductions in costs and increases in efficiencies. The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) has been a leader in the application of such genomic testing for rare disease diagnosis. This review discusses the current state of genomic testing performed within the UDN, with a focus on the strengths and limitations of whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing in clinical diagnostics and the importance of ongoing data reanalysis. The role of emerging technologies such as RNA and long-read sequencing to further improve diagnostic rates in the UDN is also described. This review concludes with a discussion of the challenges faced in insurance coverage of comprehensive genomic testing as well as the opportunities for a larger role of testing in clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Murdock
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA;
| | - Jill A Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA;
| | - Brendan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA;
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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32
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Current Trends in Genetics and Neonatal Care. Adv Neonatal Care 2021; 21:473-481. [PMID: 33538495 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic and genomic health applications are rapidly changing. A clear and updated description of these applications for the neonatal population is needed to guide current nursing practice. PURPOSE To provide scientific evidence and guidance on the current genetic and genomic applications pertinent to neonatal care. METHODS A search of CINAHL and PubMed was conducted using the search terms "newborn/neonatal" and "genetics," "genomics," "newborn screening," "pharmacogenomics," "ethical," and "legal." Google searches were also conducted to synthesize professional guidelines, position statements, and current genetic practices. FINDINGS/RESULTS Components of the newborn genetic assessment, including details on the newborn physical examination, family history, and laboratory tests pertinent to the newborn, are reported. The history and process of newborn screening are described, in addition to the impact of advancements, such as whole exome and genome sequencing, on newborn screening. Pharmacogenomics, a genomic application that is currently utilized primarily in the research context for neonates, is described and future implications stated. Finally, the specific ethical and legal implications for these genetic and genomic applications are detailed, along with genetic/genomic resources for nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Providing nurses with the most up-to-date evidence on genetic and genomic applications ensures their involvement and contributions to quality neonatal care. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Ongoing genetic/genomic research is needed to understand the implications of genetic/genomic applications on the neonatal population and how these new applications will change neonatal care.
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Schroeder BE, Gonzaludo N, Everson K, Than KS, Sullivan J, Taft RJ, Belmont JW. The diagnostic trajectory of infants and children with clinical features of genetic disease. NPJ Genom Med 2021; 6:98. [PMID: 34811359 PMCID: PMC8609026 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-021-00260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterized US pediatric patients with clinical indicators of genetic diseases, focusing on the burden of disease, utilization of genetic testing, and cost of care. Curated lists of diagnosis, procedure, and billing codes were used to identify patients with clinical indicators of genetic disease in healthcare claims from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Database (13,076,038 unique patients). Distinct cohorts were defined to represent permissive and conservative estimates of the number of patients. Clinical phenotypes suggestive of genetic diseases were observed in up to 9.4% of pediatric patients and up to 44.7% of critically-ill infants. Compared with controls, patients with indicators of genetic diseases had higher utilization of services (e.g., mean NICU length of stay of 31.6d in a cohort defined by multiple congenital anomalies or neurological presentations compared with 10.1d for patients in the control population (P < 0.001)) and higher overall costs. Very few patients received any genetic testing (4.2-8.4% depending on cohort criteria). These results highlight the substantial proportion of the population with clinical features associated with genetic disorders and underutilization of genetic testing in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Gonzaludo
- grid.185669.50000 0004 0507 3954Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA USA
| | | | | | | | - Ryan J. Taft
- grid.185669.50000 0004 0507 3954Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA USA
| | - John W. Belmont
- grid.185669.50000 0004 0507 3954Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA USA
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The IDeaS initiative: pilot study to assess the impact of rare diseases on patients and healthcare systems. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:429. [PMID: 34674728 PMCID: PMC8532301 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02061-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rare diseases (RD) are a diverse collection of more than 7–10,000 different disorders, most of which affect a small number of people per disease. Because of their rarity and fragmentation of patients across thousands of different disorders, the medical needs of RD patients are not well recognized or quantified in healthcare systems (HCS). Methodology We performed a pilot IDeaS study, where we attempted to quantify the number of RD patients and the direct medical costs of 14 representative RD within 4 different HCS databases and performed a preliminary analysis of the diagnostic journey for selected RD patients. Results The overall findings were notable for: (1) RD patients are difficult to quantify in HCS using ICD coding search criteria, which likely results in under-counting and under-estimation of their true impact to HCS; (2) per patient direct medical costs of RD are high, estimated to be around three–fivefold higher than age-matched controls; and (3) preliminary evidence shows that diagnostic journeys are likely prolonged in many patients, and may result in progressive, irreversible, and costly complications of their disease Conclusions The results of this small pilot suggest that RD have high medical burdens to patients and HCS, and collectively represent a major impact to the public health. Machine-learning strategies applied to HCS databases and medical records using sentinel disease and patient characteristics may hold promise for faster and more accurate diagnosis for many RD patients and should be explored to help address the high unmet medical needs of RD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-021-02061-3.
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DInur-Schejter Y, Stepensky P. Social determinants of health and primary immunodeficiency. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2021; 128:12-18. [PMID: 34628007 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are rare genetic conditions affecting the immune system. The rate of IEI and their presentation, course, and treatment are all affected by a multitude of social determinants, eventually affecting prognosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the social determinants affecting infectious susceptibility, genetic predisposition, diagnosis, and treatment of IEI. DATA SOURCES PubMed. STUDY SELECTIONS Search terms included "consanguinity," "social determinants," and "founder effect." Further studies were selected based on relevant citations. RESULTS Changes in climate and human behavior have modulated the spread of disease vectors and infectious organisms. Consanguinity increases the rate of autosomal recessive conditions, changes the distribution, and affects the severity of IEI. Access to sophisticated genetic and immunologic diagnostic modalities affects genetic counseling and timely diagnosis. Effective genetic counseling should address to the patient's genetic background and ethical code. Access to appropriate and timely treatment of immunodeficiencies is scarce in some regions of the world. CONCLUSION High consanguinity rate and reduced access to prophylactic measures increase the burden of immunodeficiencies in many low- and medium-income countries. Furthermore, poor access to diagnostic and treatment modalities in these regions adversely affects patients' prognosis. Increased awareness among health care professionals and the public and increased collaboration with Western countries aid in diagnosis of these conditions. Further advancements require improved public funding to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of IEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael DInur-Schejter
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Polina Stepensky
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Sources of Unease About the Use of Genome Sequencing for Diagnosing Rare Diseases in Children. J Pediatr 2021; 237:13-15. [PMID: 34166672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hossain F, Majumder S, David J, Miele L. Precision Medicine and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Current Landscape and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153739. [PMID: 34359640 PMCID: PMC8345034 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The implementation of precision medicine will revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms. Notably, this goal is not far from reality: genetically similar cancers can be treated similarly. The heterogeneous nature of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) made it a suitable candidate to practice precision medicine. Using TNBC molecular subtyping and genomic profiling, a precision medicine-based clinical trial is ongoing. This review summarizes the current landscape and future directions of precision medicine and TNBC. Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer associated with a high recurrence and metastasis rate that affects African-American women disproportionately. The recent approval of targeted therapies for small subgroups of TNBC patients by the US ‘Food and Drug Administration’ is a promising development. The advancement of next-generation sequencing, particularly somatic exome panels, has raised hopes for more individualized treatment plans. However, the use of precision medicine for TNBC is a work in progress. This review will discuss the potential benefits and challenges of precision medicine for TNBC. A recent clinical trial designed to target TNBC patients based on their subtype-specific classification shows promise. Yet, tumor heterogeneity and sub-clonal evolution in primary and metastatic TNBC remain a challenge for oncologists to design adaptive precision medicine-based treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokhrul Hossain
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.)
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.)
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Justin David
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (S.M.); (L.M.)
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
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Pasquini TLS, Goff SL, Whitehill JM. Navigating the U.S. health insurance landscape for children with rare diseases: a qualitative study of parents' experiences. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:313. [PMID: 34266466 PMCID: PMC8281562 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01943-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with rare diseases often face uncertainty about diagnosis, treatment, and costs associated with healthcare for their child. Health insurance status impacts each of these areas, but no U.S. study has explored parents' perceptions of the health insurance impacts on their child's care. This study aimed to qualitatively explore how these parents navigate the complex health insurance system for their children and their experiences in doing so. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), chosen for specific disease characteristics and orphan drug status. Participants were recruited via e-mail through patient advocacy organizations between September and December 2018. Interviews were conducted via Skype, were recorded, and professionally transcribed. Modified grounded theory was utilized as a methodology to analyze transcripts in an iterative process to determine themes and sub-themes based on participant described experiences. RESULTS Major themes and subthemes that emerged across the 15 interviews included: (1) difficulties obtaining secondary insurance based on state eligibility criteria; (2) difficulty accessing needed healthcare services; and (3) need for repeated interactions with insurance representatives. The absence of clearly documented or widely recognized clinical guidelines exacerbated the difficulty accessing care identified as necessary by their healthcare team, such as therapy and equipment. An explanatory model for parent's experiences was developed from the themes and subthemes. The model includes the cyclical nature of interacting with insurance for redundant reauthorizations and the outside support and financial assistance that is often necessary to address their child's healthcare needs. CONCLUSIONS With complex health conditions, small setbacks can become costly and disruptive to the health of the child and the life of the family. This study suggests that patients with rare diseases may benefit from time limits for processing coverage decisions, increasing transparency in the claims and preauthorization processes, and more expansive authorizations for on-going needs. Additional studies are needed to understand the full scope of barriers and to inform policies that can facilitate better access for families living with rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai L. S. Pasquini
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA United States
- Congenital Hyperinsulinism International, P.O. Box 135, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA
| | - Sarah L. Goff
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA United States
| | - Jennifer M. Whitehill
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA United States
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Grant P, Langlois S, Lynd LD, Austin JC, Elliott AM. Out-of-pocket and private pay in clinical genetic testing: A scoping review. Clin Genet 2021; 100:504-521. [PMID: 34080181 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Full coverage of the cost of clinical genetic testing is not always available through public or private insurance programs, or a public healthcare system. Consequently, some patients may be faced with the decision of whether to finance testing out-of-pocket (OOP), meet OOP expenses required by their insurer, or not proceed with testing. A scoping review was conducted to identify literature associated with patient OOP and private pay in clinical genetic testing. Seven databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, PAIS, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the JBI Evidence-Based Practice database) were searched, resulting in 83 unique publications included in the review. The presented evidence includes a descriptive analysis, followed by a narrative account of the extracted data. Results were divided into four groups according to clinical indication: (1) hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, (2) other hereditary cancers, (3) prenatal testing, (4) other clinical indications. The majority of studies focused on hereditary cancer and prenatal genetic testing. Overall trends indicated that OOP costs have fallen and payer coverage has improved, but OOP expenses continue to present a barrier to patients who do not qualify for full coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Grant
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada
| | - Sylvie Langlois
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada
| | - Larry D Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Jehannine C Austin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison M Elliott
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Marinakis NM, Svingou M, Veltra D, Kekou K, Sofocleous C, Tilemis FN, Kosma K, Tsoutsou E, Fryssira H, Traeger-Synodinos J. Phenotype-driven variant filtration strategy in exome sequencing toward a high diagnostic yield and identification of 85 novel variants in 400 patients with rare Mendelian disorders. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:2561-2571. [PMID: 34008892 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
About 6000 to 7000 different rare disorders with suspected genetic etiologies have been described and almost 4500 causative gene(s) have been identified. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutionized genomic research and diagnostics, representing a major advance in the identification of pathogenic genetic variations. This study presents a 3-year experience from an academic genetics center, where 400 patients were referred for genetic analysis of disorders with unknown etiology. A phenotype-driven proband-only exome sequencing (ES) strategy was applied for the investigation of rare disorders, in the context of optimizing ES diagnostic yield and minimizing costs and time to definitive diagnosis. Overall molecular diagnostic yield reached 53% and characterized 243 pathogenic variants in 210 cases, 85 of which were novel and 148 known, contributing information to the community of disease and variant databases. ES provides an opportunity to resolve the genetic etiology of disorders and support appropriate medical management and genetic counseling. In cases with complex phenotypes, the identification of complex genotypes may contribute to more comprehensive clinical management. In the context of effective multidisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and laboratories, ES provides an efficient and appropriate tool for first-tier genomic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos M Marinakis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Svingou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Danai Veltra
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Kekou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christalena Sofocleous
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Research University Institute for the Study and Prevention of Genetic and Malignant Disease of Childhood, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Faidon-Nikolaos Tilemis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Research University Institute for the Study and Prevention of Genetic and Malignant Disease of Childhood, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Kosma
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Tsoutsou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Fryssira
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Schoch K, Esteves C, Bican A, Spillmann R, Cope H, McConkie-Rosell A, Walley N, Fernandez L, Kohler JN, Bonner D, Reuter C, Stong N, Mulvihill JJ, Novacic D, Wolfe L, Abdelbaki A, Toro C, Tifft C, Malicdan M, Gahl W, Liu P, Newman J, Goldstein DB, Hom J, Sampson J, Wheeler MT, Cogan J, Bernstein JA, Adams DR, McCray AT, Shashi V. Clinical sites of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network: unique contributions to genomic medicine and science. Genet Med 2021; 23:259-271. [PMID: 33093671 PMCID: PMC7867619 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-00984-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) evaluates participants with disorders that have defied diagnosis, applying personalized clinical and genomic evaluations and innovative research. The clinical sites of the UDN are essential to advancing the UDN mission; this study assesses their contributions relative to standard clinical practices. METHODS We analyzed retrospective data from four UDN clinical sites, from July 2015 to September 2019, for diagnoses, new disease gene discoveries and the underlying investigative methods. RESULTS Of 791 evaluated individuals, 231 received 240 diagnoses and 17 new disease-gene associations were recognized. Straightforward diagnoses on UDN exome and genome sequencing occurred in 35% (84/240). We considered these tractable in standard clinical practice, although genome sequencing is not yet widely available clinically. The majority (156/240, 65%) required additional UDN-driven investigations, including 90 diagnoses that occurred after prior nondiagnostic exome sequencing and 45 diagnoses (19%) that were nongenetic. The UDN-driven investigations included complementary/supplementary phenotyping, innovative analyses of genomic variants, and collaborative science for functional assays and animal modeling. CONCLUSION Investigations driven by the clinical sites identified diagnostic and research paradigms that surpass standard diagnostic processes. The new diagnoses, disease gene discoveries, and delineation of novel disorders represent a model for genomic medicine and science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Schoch
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cecilia Esteves
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna Bican
- Vanderbilt Center for Undiagnosed Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rebecca Spillmann
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heidi Cope
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Allyn McConkie-Rosell
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicole Walley
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Liliana Fernandez
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jennefer N Kohler
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Devon Bonner
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chloe Reuter
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Stong
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - John J Mulvihill
- Division of Genomic Medicine, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna Novacic
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lynne Wolfe
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ayat Abdelbaki
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Camilo Toro
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cyndi Tifft
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Office of the Clinical Director, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - May Malicdan
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Medical Genetics Branch, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William Gahl
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Medical Genetics Branch, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor Genetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Newman
- Vanderbilt Center for Undiagnosed Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David B Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Hom
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jacinda Sampson
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T Wheeler
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Joy Cogan
- Vanderbilt Center for Undiagnosed Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Stanford Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David R Adams
- Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, NIH Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Office of the Clinical Director, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexa T McCray
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA.
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Lundquist AL, Pelletier RC, Leonard CE, Williams WW, Armstrong KA, Rehm HL, Rhee EP. From Theory to Reality: Establishing a Successful Kidney Genetics Clinic in the Outpatient Setting. KIDNEY360 2020; 1:1099-1106. [PMID: 35368791 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0004262020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Genetic testing in nephrology is increasingly described in the literature and several groups have suggested significant clinical benefit. However, studies to date have described experience from established genetic testing centers or from externally funded research programs. Methods We established a de novo kidney genetics clinic within an academic adult general nephrology practice. Key features of this effort included a pipeline for internal referrals, flexible scheduling, close coordination between the nephrologist and a genetic counselor, and utilization of commercial panel-based testing. Over the first year, we examined the outcomes of genetic testing, the time to return of genetic testing, and out-of-pocket cost to patients. Results Thirty patients were referred and 23 were evaluated over the course of five clinic sessions. Nineteen patients underwent genetic testing with new diagnoses in nine patients (47%), inconclusive results in three patients (16%), and clearance for kidney donation in two patients (11%). On average, return of genetic results occurred 55 days (range 9-174 days) from the day of sample submission and the average out-of-pocket cost to patients was $155 (range $0-$1623). Conclusions We established a kidney genetics clinic, without a pre-existing genetics infrastructure or dedicated research funding, that identified a new diagnosis in approximately 50% of patients tested. This study provides a clinical practice model for successfully incorporating genetic testing into ambulatory nephrology care with minimal capital investment and limited financial effect on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Lundquist
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Renee C Pelletier
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Courtney E Leonard
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Winfred W Williams
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katrina A Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard, University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eugene P Rhee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Alobuia WM, Ammar S, Tyagi M, Ghosh C, Gunda V, Annes JP, Kebebew E. Probability of positive genetic testing in patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: Criteria beyond a family history. Surgery 2020; 169:298-301. [PMID: 33023754 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic testing for germline pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma susceptibility genes is associated with improved patient management. However, data are currently sparse on the probability of a positive testing result based on an individual's clinical presentation. This study evaluates clinical characteristics for association with testing positive for known pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma susceptibility genes. METHODS This retrospective analysis examined 111 patients with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma who underwent genetic testing. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to identify factors associated with a positive genetic testing result. Probabilities were then calculated for combinations of significant factors to determine the likelihood of a positive test result in each group. RESULTS Of 32 patients with a family history of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, 31 (97%) had a germline mutation detected. Of 79 patients without a family history, 24 (30%) had a pathogenic germline mutation detected. In multivariate analysis, a positive family history, aged ≤47 years, and tumor size ≤2.9 cm were independent factors associated with a positive genetic testing result. Patients meeting all 3 criteria had a 100% probability compared with 13% in those without any of the criteria. In addition to a positive family history, having either aged ≤47 years or tumor size ≤2.9 cm resulted in a 90% and 100% probability of a positive result, respectively. In the absence of a family history, the probability in patients who were aged ≤47 years and had a tumor size ≤2.9 cm was 60%. CONCLUSION In addition to a family history of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, aged ≤47 years, and tumor size ≤2.9 cm are associated with a higher probability of testing positive for a pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma susceptibility gene mutation. Patients meeting all 3 criteria have a 100% probability of a positive genetic testing result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson M Alobuia
- Department of Surgery and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Sabrine Ammar
- Department of Surgery and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Monica Tyagi
- Department of Surgery and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Chandrayee Ghosh
- Department of Surgery and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Viswanath Gunda
- Department of Surgery and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Justin P Annes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Electron Kebebew
- Department of Surgery and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
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Platt CD, Zaman F, Bainter W, Stafstrom K, Almutairi A, Reigle M, Weeks S, Geha RS, Chou J. Efficacy and economics of targeted panel versus whole-exome sequencing in 878 patients with suspected primary immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 147:723-726. [PMID: 32888943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Next-generation sequencing has become a first-line tool for the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency. However, patient access remains limited because of restricted insurance coverage and a lack of guidelines addressing the use of targeted panels versus whole-exome sequencing (WES). OBJECTIVES We sought to compare targeted next-generation sequencing with WES in a global population of patients with primary immunodeficiency. METHODS This was a longitudinal study of 878 patients with likely primary immunodeficiency sequenced between 2010 and 2020. Most patients (n = 780) were first sequenced using a 264 gene panel. This was followed by WES in selected cases if a candidate gene was not found. A subset of patients (n = 98) were selected for a WES-only pipeline if the history was atypical for genes within the targeted panel. RESULTS Disease-causing variants were identified in 498 of the 878 probands (56%), encompassing 152 distinct monogenic disorders. Sixteen patients had disorders that were novel at the time of sequencing (1.8%). Diagnostic yield in patients sequenced by targeted panel was 56% (433 of 780 patients), with subsequent WES leading to an additional 18 diagnoses (overall diagnostic yield 58%, 451 of 780 patients). The WES-only approach had a diagnostic yield of 45% (45 of 98 patients), reflecting that these cases had less common clinical and laboratory phenotypes. Cost analysis, based on current commercial WES and targeted panel prices, demonstrated savings ranging from $300 to $950 with a WES-only approach, depending on diagnostic yield. CONCLUSIONS Advantages of WES over targeted next-generation sequencing include simplified workflow, reduced overall cost, and the potential for identification of novel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig D Platt
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Fatima Zaman
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Wayne Bainter
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Kelsey Stafstrom
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Abuarahman Almutairi
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Margot Reigle
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Sabrina Weeks
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Raif S Geha
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Janet Chou
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
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- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
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Macke EL, Morales-Rosado JA, Gupta A, Schmitz CT, Kruisselbrink T, Lanpher B, Klee EW. A novel missense variant and multiexon deletion causing a delayed presentation of xeroderma pigmentosum, group C. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2020; 6:a005165. [PMID: 32843428 PMCID: PMC7476405 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a005165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the XPC complex subunit, DNA damage recognition, and repair factor (XPC) are the cause of xeroderma pigmentosum, group C (MIM: 278720). Xeroderma pigmentosum is an inherited condition characterized by hypersensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and increased risk of skin cancer due to a defect in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Here we describe an individual with a novel missense variant and deletion of exons 14-15 in XPC presenting with a history of recurrent melanomas. The proband is a 39-yr-old female evaluated through the Mayo Clinic Department of Clinical Genomics. Prior to age 36, she had more than 60 skin biopsies that showed dysplastic nevi, many of which had atypia. At age 36 she presented with her first melanoma in situ, and since then has had more than 10 melanomas. The proband underwent research whole-exome sequencing (WES) through the Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine and a novel heterozygous variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in XPC (c.1709T > G, p.Val570Gly) was identified. Clinical confirmation pursued via XPC gene sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis of XPC revealed a pathogenic heterozygous deletion of ∼1 kb within XPC, including exons 14 and 15. Research studies determined the alterations to be in trans Although variants in XPC generally result in early-onset skin cancer in childhood, the proband is atypical in that she did not present with her first melanoma until age 36. Review of the patient's clinical, pathological, and genetic findings points to a diagnosis of delayed presentation of xeroderma pigmentosum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Macke
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Joel A Morales-Rosado
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | | | | | - Brendan Lanpher
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Eric W Klee
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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