Genetic knowledge and attitudes of parents of children with congenital heart defects

Genetic Implications in High-Risk Pregnancy and Its Outcome: A 2-Year Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate high-risk pregnant females' offspring as regard the presence of any medical condition, hereditary disorder, or major anomaly as well as to document parental sociodemographic characteristics and compliance with follow-up schedules of fetal medicine and clinical genetic clinics.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective 2-year cohort study of neonates and infants reported the referral indications, investigations, and diagnoses obtained through prenatal and postnatal examinations. It also reported their parental follow-up vigilance.

RESULTS

Of the 811 infants of high risk females referred 460 (56.7%) came for assessment. Mean parental consanguinity and endogamy were 67 and 71.3%, respectively. All pregnant mothers underwent first-trimester biochemical testing (plasma protein-A, α-fetoprotein [AFP], human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]) and serial ultrasound examinations. Seventy mothers needed second-trimester biochemical testing (AFP, hCG, and estriol). Sixty-two mothers underwent amniocentesis where G-banding karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization and targeted molecular testing for the specific gene mutation of single gene disorders were conducted according to suspected disorders. High quality fetal ultrasound was performed when brain malformations were suspected, while 16 fetuses required brain MRI examination. Mean age of newborns at first examination was 26.5 days. They were grouped according to the maternal indication for referral. Upon examination, 18 neonates had confirmed congenital malformations/genetic disorders. Five of them were diagnosed prenatally. In four other fetuses with single gene disorder, the molecular diagnosis of their affected siblings was not established prior to this pregnancy; thus, prenatal diagnosis was not possible. The remaining nine cases were diagnosed postnatally.

CONCLUSION

Parental consanguinity and endogamy were increased among high-risk pregnancies. Public awareness about potential adverse effects of consanguineous marriages and the importance of genetic testing are imperative. A structured multidisciplinary team of specialists in fetal medicine, clinical genetics, and neonatology provides good genetic services. Expansion and financial support of these services are urgently required.

KEY POINTS

· A multidisciplinary team provides good genetic services in high-risk pregnancies.. · Parental consanguinity and endogamy are increased among high-risk pregnancies.. · Increased public awareness about genetic testing importance and financial support are imperative..

Genomic Health Literacy Interventions in Pediatrics: Scoping Review

Background

The emergence of genetic and genomic sequencing approaches for pediatric patients has raised questions about the genomic health literacy levels, attitudes toward receiving genomic information, and use of this information to inform treatment decisions by pediatric patients and their parents. However, the methods to educate pediatric patients and their parents about genomic concepts through digital health interventions have not been well-established.

Objective

The primary objective of this scoping review is to investigate the current levels of genomic health literacy and the attitudes toward receiving genomic information among pediatric patients and their parents. The secondary aim is to investigate patient education interventions that aim to measure and increase genomic health literacy among pediatric patients and their parents. The findings from this review will be used to inform future digital health interventions for patient education.

Methods

A scoping review using PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines and protocols was completed using the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus. Our search strategy included genomic information inclusive of all genetic and genomic terms, pediatrics, and patient education. Inclusion criteria included the following: the study included genetic, genomic, or a combination of genetic and genomic information; the study population was pediatric (children and adolescents <18 years) and parents of patients with pediatric illnesses or only parents of patients with pediatric illnesses; the study included an assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and intervention regarding genomic information; the study was conducted in the last 12 years between 2008 and 2020; and the study was in the English language. Descriptive data regarding study design, methodology, disease population, and key findings were extracted. All the findings were collated, categorized, and reported thematically.

Results

Of the 4618 studies, 14 studies (n=6, 43% qualitative, n=6, 43% mixed methods, and n=2, 14% quantitative) were included. Key findings were based on the following 6 themes: knowledge of genomic concepts, use of the internet and social media for genomic information, use of genomic information for decision-making, hopes and attitudes toward receiving genomic information, experiences with genetic counseling, and interventions to improve genomic knowledge.

Conclusions

This review identified that older age is related to the capacity of understanding genomic concepts, increased genomic health literacy levels, and the perceived ability to participate in decision-making related to genomic information. In addition, internet-searching plays a major role in obtaining genomic information and filling gaps in communication with health care providers. However, little is known about the capacity of pediatric patients and their parents to understand genomic information and make informed decisions based on the genomic information obtained. More research is required to inform digital health interventions and to leverage the leading best practices to educate these genomic concepts.

Parental Attitudes Toward Clinical Genomic Sequencing in Children With Critical Cardiac Disease

OBJECTIVES

Through improving diagnostics and prognostics genomic sequencing promises to significantly impact clinical decisions for children with critical cardiac disease. Little is known about how families of children with critical cardiac disease perceive the impact of genomic sequencing on clinical care choices.

DESIGN

Qualitative interview study.

SETTING

A high-volume, tertiary pediatric heart center.

SUBJECTS

Families of children with critical cardiac disease.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Thematic analysis of interview response content. Thirty-five families were interviewed. Three themes emerged: 1) benefits versus challenges of having genomic sequencing results, and 2) fears of clinical applications of genomic sequencing, and 3) nonclinical fears related to genomic sequencing. Participants struggled with perceived uses of genomic sequencing-derived knowledge. They described comfort in foreknowledge of their child's likely disease course but articulated significant apprehension around participating in care decisions with limited knowledge of genomic sequencing, genomic sequencing uses to inform clinical resource rationing decisions, and genomic sequencing uses by third parties impacting financial pressures families experience caring for a child with critical cardiac disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Families' perceptions of genomic sequencing uses in critical cardiac disease appear to strain their overall trust in the health system. Erosion of trust is concerning because the potential of genomic sequencing in critical cardiac disease will be unrealized if families are unwilling to undergo genomic sequencing, let alone to participate in the ongoing research needed to link genomic sequencing variants to clinical outcomes. Our findings may have implications for genomic sequencing use in children with other critical, high-acuity diseases.

Social determinants of health and outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDH) can substantially impact health outcomes. A systematic review, however, has never been conducted on associations of SDH with congenital heart disease (CHD) outcomes. The aim, therefore, was to conduct such a systematic review.

METHODS

Seven databases were searched through May 2020 to identify articles on SDH associations with CHD. SDH examined included poverty, uninsurance, housing instability, parental educational attainment, immigration status, food insecurity, and transportation barriers. Studies were independently selected and coded by two researchers based on the PICO statement.

RESULTS

The search generated 3992 citations; 88 were included in the final database. SDH were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of fetal CHD diagnosis, higher CHD incidence and prevalence, increased infant mortality, adverse post-surgical outcomes (including hospital readmission and death), decreased healthcare access (including missed appointments, no shows, and loss to follow-up), impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes (including IQ and school performance) and quality of life, and adverse outcomes for adults with CHD (including endocarditis, hospitalization, and death).

CONCLUSIONS

SDH are associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes for fetuses, children, and adults with CHD. SDH screening and referral to appropriate services has the potential to improve outcomes for CHD patients across the lifespan.

IMPACT

Social determinants of health (SDH) are associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes for fetuses, children, and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). This is the first systematic review (to our knowledge) on associations of SDH with congenital heart disease CHD outcomes. SDH screening and referral to appropriate services has the potential to improve outcomes for CHD patients across the lifespan.

Parental attitudes regarding the need for genetic services in a pediatric brain tumor survivorship program

Pediatric brain tumor survivorship populations have not been typically offered genetic services as part of routine care. Genetic services can be defined as family history collection, genetic risk assessment for a patient and family members, and coordination of genetic testing. Prior research has focused on the integration of genetic services in the general pediatric oncology survivorship population and found a need for these services to be implemented. Gathering a family history and providing a genetic risk assessment have previously been determined to be an integral step in determining if an individual's cancer was due to a hereditary predisposition. The purpose of this study was to examine parental attitudes regarding the need for genetic services in their child's pediatric brain tumor survivorship clinic. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents participating in the Brain STAR (Survivors Taking Action and Responsibility) program at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. A grounded theory approach was used to code and analyze the results thematically. Five key themes were identified: participants' perceived benefits and barriers regarding receiving genetic services, desirable time for implementation of these services, relevance of family history, and their thoughts regarding reproductive risk. These results provide insight for genetics professionals regarding the need for genetic services in this population, and how to best implement them.

Attitudes towards genetic testing and information: does parenthood shape the views?

This study examines how parents of pediatric patients might differ in their views and attitudes towards genetic technology and information when compared to adult patients. There is surprisingly little evidence on how parents compare to other parts of population in their attitudes. Previous empirical studies often relate health-related preferences and attitudes to factors such as age, education, and income instead of parental status, thus evading comparison of parents to others as health-related decision makers. Findings related to the parental status can be useful when implementing genetic technology in clinical practice. We conducted a survey of views on genetic technology and information for groups of adult neurology patients (n = 68) and parents of pediatric neurology patients (n = 31) to shed some light on this issue. In addition to our own survey instrument, we conducted other surveys to gain insight on psychosocial factors that might affect these attitudes. The results suggest that parents are more concerned about their children's genetic risk factors when compared to the attitudes of adult patients about their own risk. For both groups, negative emotional state was associated with more concerns towards genetic information. Our study provides insights on how parental views might affect the acceptance of genetic technology and information.

Genomic knowledge in the context of diagnostic exome sequencing: changes over time, persistent subgroup differences, and associations with psychological sequencing outcomes

Purpose

People undergoing diagnostic genome-scale sequencing are expected to have better psychological outcomes when they can incorporate and act on accurate, relevant knowledge that supports informed decision making.

Methods

This longitudinal study used data from the NCGENES study of diagnostic exome sequencing to evaluate associations between factual genomic knowledge (measured with the University of North Carolina Genomic Knowledge Scale at three assessments from baseline to after return of results) and sequencing outcomes that reflected participants’ perceived understanding of the study and sequencing, regret for joining the study, and responses to learning sequencing results. It also investigated differences in genomic knowledge associated with subgroups differing in race/ethnicity, income, education, health literacy, English proficiency, and prior genetic testing.

Results

Multivariate models revealed higher genomic knowledge at baseline for non-Hispanic Whites and those with higher income, education, and health literacy (ps<.001). These subgroup differences persisted across study assessments despite a general increase in knowledge among all groups. Greater baseline genomic knowledge was associated with lower test-related distress (p=.047) and greater perceived understanding of diagnostic genomic sequencing (ps .04 to <.001).

Conclusion

Findings extend understanding of the role of genomic knowledge in psychological outcomes of diagnostic exome sequencing, providing guidance for additional research and interventions.

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: Uptake of familial cardiac screening and parental knowledge from a single tertiary care center

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) malformations exhibit higher heritability than other cardiac lesions and cardiac screening is encouraged for first-degree relatives. This study sought to determine the uptake of familial cardiac screening in families with an infant with an LVOTO and assess parental knowledge regarding genetics and heritability of LVOTO. A chart review of the period 2010-2015 identified 69 families who received genetic counseling regarding a diagnosis of LVOTO in an infant. Surveys assessing familial cardiac screening and parental knowledge were completed by a parent in 24 families (completion rate of 35%). Forty percent (36/89) of all at-risk first-degree family members completed cardiac screening. The presence of additional congenital malformations in the affected infant was the only significant factor reducing the uptake of familial cardiac screening (p = 0.003). The reported uptake of screening for subsequent at-risk pregnancies was 11/12 (92%) compared to 25/77 (32%) of living at-risk relatives. Survey respondents answered seven knowledge questions with an average score of 5.2 and all correctly identified that LVOTO can run in families. Uptake of familial cardiac screening is occurring in less than half of at-risk individuals, despite parents demonstrating basic knowledge and receiving genetic counseling. Follow-up counseling in the outpatient setting to review familial screening recommendations should be considered to increase uptake and optimize outcomes.

What do people think about genetics? A systematic review

Genetics is increasingly becoming a part of modern medical practice. How people think about genetics' use in medicine and their daily lives is therefore essential. Earlier studies indicated mixed attitudes about genetics. However, this might be changing. Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) as a guideline, we initially reviewed 442 articles that looked at awareness, attitudes, knowledge, and perception of risks among the general and targeted recruitment populations. After fitting our criteria (from the last 5 years, conducted in the USA, non-provider populations, quantitative results reported, and assessed participants 18 years and older), finally 51 eligible articles were thematically coded and presented in this paper. Awareness is reported as relatively high in the studies reviewed. Attitudes are mixed but with higher proportions reporting positive attitudes towards genetic testing and counseling. Self-reported knowledge is reasonably high, specifically with the effects of specific programs developed to raise knowledge levels of the general and targeted recruited populations. Perception of risk is somewhat aligned with actual risk. With the reasonable positive reports of genetic awareness and knowledge, there is similar positive attitude and perception of risk, supporting the need for continued dissemination of such knowledge. Given interest in incorporating community participation in genomic educational strategies, we provide this review as a baseline from which to launch community-specific educational supports and tools.

Tell me once, tell me soon: parents' preferences for clinical genetics services for congenital heart disease

PURPOSE

As the molecular basis of congenital heart disease (CHD) comes into sharper focus, cardiac genetics services are likely to play an increasingly important role. This study aimed to identify parents' preferences for, and willingness to participate in, clinical genetics services for CHD.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was developed to assess parents' preferences for pediatric cardiogenetics services based on four attributes: appointment format, health professionals involved, waiting time, and information format. Data were analyzed using a mixed logit model.

RESULTS

One hundred parents with a living child diagnosed with CHD requiring surgical intervention between 2000 and 2009 completed the discrete choice experiment. Parents expressed a clear preference for cardiac genetics services featuring (i) a single appointment, (ii) the presence of a clinical geneticist and a genetic counselor, (iii) both verbal (oral) and Web-based information about CHD and genetics, and (iv) availability of an appointment within 2 weeks. If offered such conditions, 93% of respondents indicated that they would attend. The choice of service was most strongly influenced by the presence of both a clinical geneticist and a genetic counselor.

CONCLUSION

Parents of children with CHD favor a single, timely genetics appointment with both a geneticist and a genetic counselor present. If appointments offered match these preferences, uptake is likely to be high.

Patient and provider perspectives on the development of personalized medicine: a mixed-methods approach

While genetic testing gains adoption in specialty services such as oncology, neurology, and cardiology, use of genetic and genomic testing has yet to be adopted as widely in primary care. The purpose of this study is to identify and compare patient and primary care provider (PCP) expectations of genetics services in primary care. Patient and PCP perspectives were assessed through a mixed-method approach combining an online survey and semi-structured interviews in a primary care department of a large academic medical institution. A convenience sample of 100 adult primary care patients and 26 PCPs was gathered. The survey and interview questions focused on perceptions of genetic testing, experience with genetic testing, and expectations of genetic services in primary care. Patients felt that their PCP was knowledgeable about genetic testing and expected their PCP to be the first to recognize a need for genetic testing based on family history. Nonetheless, patients reported that PCPs rarely used family history information to discuss genetic risks or order testing. In contrast, PCPs felt uncertain about the clinical utility and scientific value of genetic testing. PCPs were concerned that genetic testing could cause anxiety, frustration, discrimination, and reduced insurability, and that there was unequal access to testing. PCPs described themselves as being "gatekeepers" to genetic testing but did not feel confident or have the desire to become experts in genetic testing. However, PCPs were open to increasing their working knowledge of genetic testing. Within this academic medical center, there is a gap between what patients expect and what primary care providers feel they are adequately prepared to provide in terms of genetic testing services.

Genetic Knowledge Among Participants in the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative

Genetic literacy is essential for the effective integration of genomic information into healthcare; yet few recent studies have been conducted to assess the current state of this knowledge base. Participants in the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative (CPMC), a prospective study assessing the impact of personalized genetic risk reports for complex diseases and drug response on behavior and health outcomes, completed genetic knowledge questionnaires and other surveys through an online portal. To assess the association between genetic knowledge and genetic education background, multivariate linear regression was performed. 4 062 participants completed a genetic knowledge and genetic education background questionnaire. Most were older (mean age: 50), Caucasian (90 %), female (59 %), highly educated (69 % bachelor's or higher), with annual household income over $100 000 (49 %). Mean percent correct was 76 %. Controlling for demographics revealed that health care providers, participants previously exposed to genetics, and participants with 'better than most' self-rated knowledge were significantly more likely to have a higher knowledge score (p < 0.001). Overall, genetic knowledge was high with previous genetic education experience predictive of higher genetic knowledge score. Education is likely to improve genetic literacy, an important component to expanded use of genomics in personalized medicine.

Measuring genetic knowledge: a brief survey instrument for adolescents and adults

Basic knowledge of genetics is essential for understanding genetic testing and counseling. The lack of a written, English language, validated, published measure has limited our ability to evaluate genetic knowledge of patients and families. Here, we begin the psychometric analysis of a true/false genetic knowledge measure. The 18-item measure was completed by parents of children with congenital heart defects (CHD) (n = 465) and adolescents and young adults with CHD (age: 15-25, n = 196) with a mean total correct score of 12.6 [standard deviation (SD) = 3.5, range: 0-18]. Utilizing exploratory factor analysis, we determined that one to three correlated factors, or abilities, were captured by our measure. Through confirmatory factor analysis, we determined that the two factor model was the best fit. Although it was necessary to remove two items, the remaining items exhibited adequate psychometric properties in a multidimensional item response theory analysis. Scores for each factor were computed, and a sum-score conversion table was derived. We conclude that this genetic knowledge measure discriminates best at low knowledge levels and is therefore well suited to determine a minimum adequate amount of genetic knowledge. However, further reliability testing and validation in diverse research and clinical settings is needed.