Large-scale evaluation of outcomes after a genetic diagnosis in children with severe developmental disorders.
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All Authors
Copeland, H.
Low, KJ.
Wynn, SL.
Ahmed, A.
Arthur, V.
Balasubramanian, M.
Bennett, K.
Berg, J.
Bertoli, M.
Bryson, L.
LTHT Author
Chauhan, Jaynee
Prescott, Katrina
Prescott, Katrina
LTHT Department
Pathology
Clinical Genetics
Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service
Clinical Genetics
Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service
Non Medic
Publication Date
2024
Item Type
Journal Article
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Purpose: We sought to evaluate outcomes for clinical management after a genetic diagnosis from the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study.
Methods: Individuals in the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study who had a pathogenic/likely pathogenic genotype in the DECIPHER database were selected for inclusion (n = 5010). Clinical notes from regional clinical genetics services notes were reviewed to assess predefined clinical outcomes relating to interventions, prenatal choices, and information provision.
Results: Outcomes were recorded for 4237 diagnosed probands (85% of those eligible) from all 24 recruiting centers across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Clinical management was reported to have changed in 28% of affected individuals. Where individual-level interventions were recorded, additional diagnostic or screening tests were started in 903 (21%) probands through referral to a range of different clinical specialties, and stopped or avoided in a further 26 (0.6%). Disease-specific treatment was started in 85 (2%) probands, including seizure-control medications and dietary supplements, and contra-indicated medications were stopped or avoided in a further 20 (0.5%). The option of prenatal/preimplantation genetic testing was discussed with 1204 (28%) families, despite the relatively advanced age of the parents at the time of diagnosis. Importantly, condition-specific information or literature was given to 3214 (76%) families, and 880 (21%) were involved in family support groups. In the most common condition (KBG syndrome; 79 [2%] probands), clinical interventions only partially reflected the temporal development of phenotypes, highlighting the importance of consensus management guidelines and patient support groups.
Conclusion: Our results underscore the importance of achieving a clinico-molecular diagnosis to ensure timely onward referral of patients, enabling appropriate care and anticipatory surveillance, and for accessing relevant patient support groups.
Journal
Genetics in Medicine Open