Objective: To evaluate associations between prenatal trio exome sequencing (trio-ES) and psychological outcomes among women with an anomalous pregnancy.
Methods: Trio-ES study enrolling patients with major fetal anomaly and normal microarray. Women completed self-reported measures and free response interviews at two time points, pre- (1) and post- (2) sequencing. Pre-sequencing responses were compared to post-sequencing responses; post-sequencing responses were stratified by women who received trio-ES results that may explain fetal findings, secondary findings (medically actionable or carrier couple status), or negative results. Free responses were content analyzed.
Results: 115 trios were enrolled. Of those, 41/115 (35.7%) received results from trio-ES, including 36 (31.3%) who received results that may explain the fetal phenotype. These women had greater post-sequencing distress compared to women who received negative results, including generalized distress (p=0.03) and test-related distress (p=0.2); they also had worse psychological adaptation to results (p=0.001). Genomic knowledge did not change from pre- to post-sequencing (p=0.51). Major themes from content analyses included closure, future pregnancy, altruism, anxiety, and gratitude.
Conclusions: Women show more distress after receiving trio-ES results compared to those who do not.
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) constitute 20% of all congenital malformations occurring in one in 500 live births. Worldwide, CAKUT are responsible for 40% to 50% of pediatric and 7% of adult end‐stage renal disease. Pathogenic variants in genes causing CAKUT include monogenic diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and ciliopathies, as well as syndromes that include isolated kidney disease in conjunction with other abnormalities. Prenatal diagnosis most often occurs using ultrasonography; however, further genetic diagnosis may be made using a variety of testing strategies. Family history and pathologic examination can also provide information to improve the ability to make a prenatal diagnosis of CAKUT. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of genetic considerations in the prenatal diagnosis of CAKUT disorders. Specifically, we discuss monogenic causes of CAKUT, associated ultrasound characteristics, and considerations for genetic diagnosis, antenatal care, and postnatal care.
Purpose: To understand motivations for and parental interpretation of results from trio-exome sequencing (ES) for fetal anomalies with a negative standard genetic diagnosis.Methods: Analysis of an ongoing, prospective prenatal trio-ES study of pregnancies with ultrasound-identified congenital anomalies and lack of a standard genetic diagnosis. After determination of pregnancy disposition, participants completed questionnaires and a semi-structured interview pre-and post-sequencing. Interviews were analyzed using a constructivist grounded theory methodology to identify themes. Associations between themes and ES result were also examined.Results: One hundred twenty-six trios have been sequenced. Of those, 45 (36%) resulted in fetal diagnosis. One hundred twenty-five women completed presequencing surveys, and 91 women completed post-sequencing surveys. The main themes identified include (1) variable reasons to pursue ES, (2) limited expectations but high hopes from ES, (3) parental adaptation to uncertain results, (4) impact on personal health and reproduction, and (5) gratitude for the process.
Conclusion:Participants pursued ES for various reasons, most often to identify a diagnosis and guide reproduction. Post-sequencing, most participants described the process, their interpretation of results, and the impact of receiving the results. Less frequently, but of most concern, participants expressed anxiety about testing and implications for themselves, relationships, and other family members, thus identifying an area of high need for additional support among patients undergoing prenatal ES.
Key pointsWhat's already known about this topic? � Exome sequencing (ES) for prenatal diagnosis increases diagnostic yield in the setting of fetal anomalies and negative standard genetic diagnosis (chromosomal microarray).
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