Dataset Information

Clinical utility of expanded carrier screening: results-guided actionability and outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Expanded carrier screening (ECS) informs couples of their risk of having offspring affected by certain genetic conditions. Limited data exists assessing the actions and reproductive outcomes of at-risk couples (ARCs). We describe the impact of ECS on planned and actual pregnancy management in the largest sample of ARCs studied to date.

Methods

Couples who elected ECS and were found to be at high risk of having a pregnancy affected by at least one of 176 genetic conditions were invited to complete a survey about their actions and pregnancy management.

Results

Three hundred ninety-one ARCs completed the survey. Among those screened before becoming pregnant, 77% planned or pursued actions to avoid having affected offspring. Among those screened during pregnancy, 37% elected prenatal diagnostic testing (PNDx) for that pregnancy. In subsequent pregnancies that occurred in both the preconception and prenatal screening groups, PNDx was pursued in 29%. The decision to decline PNDx was most frequently based on the fear of procedure-related miscarriage, as well as the belief that termination would not be pursued in the event of a positive diagnosis.

Conclusion

ECS results impacted couples' reproductive decision-making and led to altered pregnancy management that effectively eliminates the risk of having affected offspring.

SUBMITTER: Johansen Taber KA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6752268 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Clinical utility of expanded carrier screening: results-guided actionability and outcomes.

Johansen Taber Katherine A KA Beauchamp Kyle A KA Lazarin Gabriel A GA Muzzey Dale D Arjunan Aishwarya A Goldberg James D JD

Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics 20181011 5

<h4>Purpose</h4>Expanded carrier screening (ECS) informs couples of their risk of having offspring affected by certain genetic conditions. Limited data exists assessing the actions and reproductive outcomes of at-risk couples (ARCs). We describe the impact of ECS on planned and actual pregnancy management in the largest sample of ARCs studied to date.<h4>Methods</h4>Couples who elected ECS and were found to be at high risk of having a pregnancy affected by at least one of 176 genetic conditions ...[more]

PMID: 30310157

Similar Datasets

Project description:Study questionWhat are the sperm and egg donor rejection rates after expanded carrier screening (ECS)?Summary answerUsing an ECS panel looking at 46/47 genes, 17.6% of donors were rejected.What is known alreadyThe use of ECS is becoming commonplace in assisted reproductive technology, including testing of egg and sperm donors. Most national guidelines recommend rejection of donors if they are carriers of a genetic disease. If the use of ECS increases, there will be a decline in the number of donors available.Study design, size, durationA review of the current preconception ECS panels available to donors was carried out through an online search. The genetic testing results of donors from Cryos International were analysed to determine how many were rejected on the basis of the ECS.Participants/materials, setting, methodsData on gamete donors and their carrier status was provided by Cryos International, who screen donors using their own bespoke ECS panel. The ECS panels identified through the review were compared to the Cryos International panel and data.Main results and the role of chanceA total of 16 companies and 42 associated ECS panels were reviewed. There were a total of 2673 unique disorders covered by the panels examined, with a mean of 329 disorders screened. None of these disorders were common to all panels. Cryos International screen 46 disorders in males and 47 in females. From 883 candidate donors, 17.6% (155/883) were rejected based on their ECS result. Carriers of alpha-thalassaemia represented the largest proportion of those rejected (19.4%, 30/155), then spinal muscular atrophy (15.5%, 24/155) and cystic fibrosis (14.8%, 23/155).Limitations, reasons for cautionPanel information was found on company websites and may not have been accurate.Wider implications of the findingsThis study highlights the need for consistent EU regulations and guidelines that allow genetic matching of gamete donors to their recipients, preventing the need to reject donors who are known carriers. A larger ECS panel would be most beneficial; however, this would not be viable without matching of donors and recipients.Study funding/competing interest(s)No specific funding was obtained. J.C.H. is the founder of Global Women Connected, a platform to discuss women's health issues and the Embryology and PGD Academy, who deliver education in clinical embryology. She has been paid to give a lecture by Cryos in 2019. A-B.S. is an employee of Cryos International.Trial registration numberN/A.

Dataset Information

Clinical utility of expanded carrier screening: results-guided actionability and outcomes.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Clinical utility of expanded carrier screening: results-guided actionability and outcomes.

Similar Datasets

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