Trial by Dutch laboratories for evaluation of non-invasive prenatal testing. Part I-clinical impact

Comparing the Introduction and Implementation of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States: An Integrative Review

Previous studies suggest that NIPT's implementation differed widely across countries but offer limited insight into what shaped these differences. To address this gap, we conducted an in-depth analysis of how NIPT was incorporated into prenatal care in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan-countries with similar economic status-to identify actionable lessons. We conducted an integrative literature review on the process of introducing and implementing NIPT, stakeholders' roles, documented considerations in the decision to introduce NIPT, implementation choices, and NIPT uptake. We included 184 sources, including white and gray literature and non-English sources. We identified 17 considerations that were documented to have influenced the decision whether to introduce NIPT across five domains: clinical considerations, ethical considerations and societal values, financial considerations, demand and capacity and applicable oversight. Fewer factors seem to have been considered in the US as compared to Japan or the Netherlands. Countries subsequently made choices on how to implement NIPT-we identified 35 such choices. While most of the identified choices were eventually considered by all three countries, they made different decisions (e.g., on out-of-pocket costs). In 2022, the estimated proportion of pregnant persons who used NIPT was 58% in the Netherlands, 49% in the US, and 9% in Japan. While differences in cultural values, population characteristics, and healthcare systems explain some variation, we identified other more adaptable aspects of the decision-making process (e.g., oversight) that may be useful for countries introducing NIPT or similar technologies to consider.

Implementing non-invasive prenatal testing in a national screening program: Lessons learned from the TRIDENT studies

The Dutch NIPT Consortium, a multidisciplinary collaboration of stakeholders in prenatal care initiated and launched the TRIDENT studies. The goal of the TRIDENT studies was to implement non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), first as a contingent (second-tier) and later as a first-tier test, and to evaluate this implementation. This paper describes how NIPT can be successfully implemented in a country or state. Important factors include the significance of forming a consortium and encouraging cooperation among relevant stakeholders, appropriate training for obstetric care professionals, and taking into account the perspectives of pregnant women when implementing prenatal tests. We describe the advantages of high sensitivity and specificity when comparing contingent NIPT with first-tier NIPT. This paper emphasizes the value of pre- and post-test counselling and the requirement for a standardized method of information delivery and value clarification, to assist couples in decision making for prenatal screening.

Confined Placental Mosaicism Detected With Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing: Is There an Association Between Mosaic Ratio and Pregnancy Outcome?

OBJECTIVE

Confined placental mosaicism (CPM) is associated with an increased risk for pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth and hypertensive disorders. Pregnancies with possible CPM can be identified with non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). We performed a retrospective cohort study to investigate whether the mosaic ratio, as calculated with the Veriseq v2 used for NIPT, can predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in cases of CPM.

METHOD

A mosaic ratio for trisomies detected by NIPT and obstetric data such as fetal growth, structural fetal anomalies and birthweight were retrospectively studied in a cohort of patients with CPM diagnosed between February 2021 and October 2023. Structural and sex chromosomal aberrations were not included in this study.

RESULTS

Of 122 CPM cases, 52 cases (42.6%) showed adverse perinatal outcomes, including FGR, low birthweight, hypertensive disorders, or preterm birth. A significantly higher mosaic ratio was found in the adverse outcome group compared to those with normal outcome, but a clear-cut threshold could not be set, except potentially for trisomy 16.

CONCLUSION

There is an association between the mosaic ratio and adverse pregnancy outcomes in cases of CPM. However, without a clear-cut threshold, it cannot be used for the individual patient for differentiation between CPM with and without clinical consequences.

Massive parallel sequencing-based non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) identifies aberrations on chromosome 13

OBJECTIVE

We report data of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) at Uppsala University Hospital between 2017-2022. Furthermore, we illustrate the potential capacity of massive parallel sequencing-based NIPT beyond identification of common trisomies.

METHODS

Maternal blood samples were analyzed using the Verifi NIPT or VeriSeq NIPT assays. Diagnostic testing, performed on amniotic fluid samples, included QF-PCR, microarray (SNP-array) and metaphase FISH.

RESULTS

Among 4532 NIPT tests performed between 2017-2022, 125 samples (2.76%) showed increased risk for trisomies 13, 18, 21 and sex chromosome aneuploidy. For three patients with normal NIPT result further microarray indicated other types of chromosomal rearrangement which were not analyzed by NIPT. For another patient (case 1) the Verifi NIPT indicated trisomy 13. Fetal fraction (FF) was estimated to be 10%. Confirmatory microarray detected a segmental duplication on chromosome 13, as well as a terminal duplication and a terminal deletion on chromosome 10. A complex karyotype was observed in the fetus with metaphase FISH. In the second case the VeriSeq NIPT indicated trisomy 13. FF was estimated to be 11%. Confirmatory microarray detected a mosaicism of trisomy 13 in 30 % of cells.

CONCLUSION

This study illustrates detection of peculiar abnormalities of chromosome 13 and supports potential to screen copy number variations with genome-wide NIPT.

Confined placental mosaicism: Distribution of chromosomally abnormal cells over the term placenta

OBJECTIVE

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) investigates placental DNA and may detect confined placental mosaicism (CPM). The aim of this study was to confirm CPM in the term placenta in cases with abnormal NIPT but normal follow-up cytogenetic studies of fetus and mother. Additionally we examined the distribution of abnormal cells over the placenta.

METHODS

Four chorionic villus (CV) biopsies from four placental quadrants were requested in cases where CPM was assumed. Both cell lineages of the CV, cytotrophoblast (CTB) and mesenchymal core (MC), were analyzed separately with SNP array.

RESULTS

The chromosome aberration was confirmed in 67 % of the placentas. Three quarters of the CTB and MC biopsies from these mosaic placentas were uniformly normal (57 %) or abnormal (20 %), and a minority showed mosaicism. Among 16 cases of CPM where first trimester CV were examined as well, 11 had chromosomally normal results during pregnancy.

DISCUSSION

Cytogenetic investigations of term placental biopsies suspected to be affected with CPM did not reveal the chromosome aberration in one third of the placentas. This is caused by the patchy pattern in which chromosomally abnormal cells are distributed over the placenta with the majority of the biopsies being uniformly normal. Further CPM research, including its clinical impact, requires the analysis of more than four biopsies to get insight into the extent of the affected part. Moreover, a subset of CPM type 1 and 3 seems to be only detectable with NIPT and not with first trimester CVS.

Current status and future of genomics in fetal and maternal medicine: A scientific review commissioned by European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

This EBCOG guidance reviews the current and future status of genomics within fetal and maternal medicine. This document addresses the clinical uses of genetic testing in both screening and diagnostic testing prenatally. The role of genomics within fetal and maternal medicine is described. The research and future implications of genetic testing as well as the educational, ethical and economic implications of genomics are discussed.

Eliminating first trimester combined testing: Consequences for early detection of significant fetal anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether implementation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing for aneuploidy as a first-tier test and subsequent abolition of first trimester combined testing (FCT) affected the first trimester detection (<14 weeks) of certain fetal anomalies.

METHODS

We performed a geographical cohort study in two Fetal Medicine Units between 2011 and 2020, including 705 fetuses with prenatally detected severe brain, abdominal wall and congenital heart defects. Cases were divided into two groups: before (n = 396) and after (n = 309) cfDNA introduction. The primary outcome was the first trimester detection rate (<14 weeks) overall and for non-chromosomal anomalies solely.

RESULTS

Overall, gastroschisis, AVSD and HLHS were detected more often in the first trimester in the before group compared to the after group, respectively 54.5% versus 18.5% (p = 0.004), 45.9% versus 26.9% (p = 0.008) and 30% versus 3.4% (p = 0.005). After exclusion of chromosomal anomalies identifiable through cfDNA testing, the detection of AVSD remained higher in the before group (43.3% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.02), leading to a possible earlier gestation at termination. The termination of pregnancy (TOP) rate did not differ among the groups. In the after group, referrals for suspected anomalies following a dating scan between 11 and 14 weeks significantly increased from 17.4% to 29.1% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the value of a scan dedicated to fetal anatomy in the first trimester as we observed a decline in the early detection of certain fetal anomalies (detectable in the first trimester) subsequent to the abolition of FCT.

Understanding genetic variability: exploring large-scale copy number variants through non-invasive prenatal testing in European populations

Large-scale copy number variants (CNVs) are structural alterations in the genome that involve the duplication or deletion of DNA segments, contributing to genetic diversity and playing a crucial role in the evolution and development of various diseases and disorders, as they can lead to the dosage imbalance of one or more genes. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has revolutionized the field of genetic analysis and contributed significantly to routine clinical diagnosis and screening. It offers a precise method for detecting CNVs with exceptional accuracy. In this context, a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) based on the sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from pregnant women's plasma using a low-coverage whole genome MPS (WGS) approach represents a valuable source for population studies. Here, we analyzed genomic data of 12,732 pregnant women from the Slovak (9,230), Czech (1,583), and Hungarian (1,919) populations. We identified 5,062 CNVs ranging from 200 kbp and described their basic characteristics and differences between the subject populations. Our results suggest that re-analysis of sequencing data from routine WGS assays has the potential to obtain large-scale CNV population frequencies, which are not well known and may provide valuable information to support the classification and interpretation of this type of genetic variation. Furthermore, this could contribute to expanding knowledge about the central European genome without investing in additional laboratory work, as NIPTs are a relatively widely used screening method.

The role of confined placental mosaicism in fetal growth restriction: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate which cytogenetic characteristics of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) detected in the first trimester chorionic villi and/or placentas in terms of chromosome aberration, cell lineage involved and trisomy origin will lead to fetal growth restriction and low birthweight.

METHODS

Cohort study using routinely collected perinatal data and cytogenetic data of non-invasive prenatal testing, the first trimester chorionic villi sampling and postnatal placentas.

RESULTS

215 CPM cases were found. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and low birthweight below the 10th percentile (BW < p10) were seen in 34.0% and 23.1%, respectively. Excluding cases of trisomy 16, 29.1% showed FGR and 17.9% had a BW < p10. The highest rate of FGR and BW < p10 was found in CPM type 3, but differences with type 1 and 2 were not significant. FGR and BW < p10 were significantly more often observed in cases with meiotic trisomies.

CONCLUSION

There is an association between CPM and FGR and BW < p10. This association is not restricted to trisomy 16, neither to CPM type 3, nor to CPM involving a meiotic trisomy. Pregnancies with all CPM types and origins should be considered to be at increased risk of FGR and low BW < p10. A close prenatal fetal monitoring is indicated in all cases of CPM.

First Trimester Contingent Screening for Aneuploidies with Cell-Free Fetal DNA in Singleton Pregnancies - a Swiss Single Centre Experience

Introduction

Switzerland was amongst the first countries to offer cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) testing covered by the health insurance to pregnant women with a risk ≥ 1:1000 for trisomies at first trimester combined screening (FTCS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation of this contingent model in a single tertiary referral centre and its effect on gestational age at diagnosing trisomy 21.

Materials and Methods

Between July 2015 and December 2020 all singleton pregnancies at 11-14 weeks of gestation without major fetal malformation were included and stratified according to their risk at FTCS. Statistical analysis was performed by GraphPad Version 9.1 for Windows.

Results

4424 pregnancies were included. Of 166 (3.8%) pregnancies with a NT ≥ 3.5 mm and/or a risk ≥ 1:10 at FCTS, 130 (78.3%) opted for direct invasive testing. 803 (18.2%) pregnancies had an intermediate risk, 692 (86.2%) of them opted for cffDNA first. 3455 (78.1%) pregnancies had a risk < 1:1000. 63 fetuses were diagnosed with trisomy 21, 47 (74.6%) directly by invasive procedures after FTCS, 16 (25.4%) by cffDNA first.

Conclusions

Most women choose cffDNA or invasive testing as second tier according to national guidelines. Despite the delay associated with cffDNA testing after FCTS, 75% of all trisomy 21 are still diagnosed in the first trimester with this contingent screening model.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): Reliability, Challenges, and Future Directions

Non-invasive prenatal testing was first discovered in 1988; it was primarily thought to be able to detect common aneuploidies, such as Patau syndrome (T13), Edward Syndrome (T18), and Down syndrome (T21). It comprises a simple technique involving the analysis of cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) obtained through maternal serum, using advances in next-generation sequencing. NIPT has shown promise as a simple and low-risk screening test, leading various governments and private organizations worldwide to dedicate significant resources towards its integration into national healthcare initiatives as well as the formation of consortia and research studies aimed at standardizing its implementation. This article aims to review the reliability of NIPT while discussing the current challenges prevalent among different communities worldwide.

Laboratory performance of genome-wide cfDNA for copy number variants as compared to prenatal microarray

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allows for screening of fetal aneuploidy and copy number variants (CNVs) from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal plasma. Professional societies have not yet embraced NIPT for fetal CNVs, citing a need for additional performance data. A clinically available genome-wide cfDNA test screens for fetal aneuploidy and CNVs larger than 7 megabases (Mb).

RESULTS

This study reviews 701 pregnancies with "high risk" indications for fetal aneuploidy which underwent both genome-wide cfDNA and prenatal microarray. For aneuploidies and CNVs considered 'in-scope' for the cfDNA test (CNVs ≥ 7 Mb and select microdeletions), sensitivity and specificity was 93.8% and 97.3% respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 63.8% and 99.7% as compared to microarray. When including 'out-of-scope' CNVs on array as false negatives, the sensitivity of cfDNA falls to 48.3%. If only pathogenic out-of-scope CNVs are treated as false negatives, the sensitivity is 63.8%. Of the out-of-scope CNVs identified by array smaller than 7 Mb, 50% were classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS), with an overall VUS rate in the study of 2.29%.

CONCLUSIONS

While microarray provides the most robust assessment of fetal CNVs, this study suggests that genome-wide cfDNA can reliably screen for large CNVs in a high-risk cohort. Informed consent and adequate pretest counseling are essential to ensuring patients understand the benefits and limitations of all prenatal testing and screening options.

Financial contribution as reason to opt out of non-invasive prenatal testing

OBJECTIVE

First trimester non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) provides pregnant women with a reliable, non-invasive method to screen for fetal aneuploidies. In the Netherlands, there is a nationwide prenatal screening program in which pregnant women and their partners are counseled about their options around 10 weeks of pregnancy. The first trimester and second trimester scan are fully reimbursed but the NIPT has an own financial contribution of €175 per participant, irrespective of type of insurance. The arguments for this own contribution are fear of uncritical use of NIPT or routinization. NIPT has a relatively stable uptake of 51%, against over 95% for second trimester anomaly scan. We aimed to explore the effect of this financial contribution on the decision to opt out of NIPT.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a survey among 350 pregnant women undergoing a second trimester anomaly scan in our center, Amsterdam UMC, between January 2021 and April 2022. All pregnant women who declined NIPT in the first trimester, were asked to participate and answered 11-13 questions about the decision-making process, the reasons to opt out and the financial contribution.

RESULTS

Information about NIPT was desired in 92% of women and 96% felt sufficiently informed. Most women took the decision not to perform NIPT with their partner and did not experience difficulties in taking this decision. The most important reason to decline NIPT was: "Every child is welcome" (69%). "The test was too expensive" was answered in 12% and was significantly correlated with lower maternal age. Additionally, one in five women (19%) said they would have done NIPT if it had been for free, which was significantly higher in younger women.

CONCLUSIONS

The own financial contribution plays a role in the decision-making to decline NIPT and partly explains the low uptake in the Netherlands. This suggests that there is no equal access to fetal aneuploidy screening. To overcome this inequality, this own contribution should be abandoned. We speculate that this will have a positive effect on the uptake, which will increase to at least 70% and potentially 94%.

Decrease in perinatal mortality after closure of obstetric services in a community hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes before and after closure of a secondary obstetric care unit of a community hospital in an urban district.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using aggregated data from National Perinatal Registry of the Netherlands (PERINED) in the very urban region of Amsterdam, consisting of data of five secondary and two tertiary hospitals. We assessed maternal and neonatal outcomes in singleton hospital births between 24+0 weeks of gestational age (GA) up to 42+6 weeks. Data of 78.613 births were stratified in two groups: before closure (years 2012-2015) and after closure (2016-2019).

RESULTS

Perinatal mortality decreased significantly from 0.84 % to 0.63 % (p = 0.0009). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of the closure on perinatal mortality was 0.73 (95 % CI 0.62-0.87). Both antepartum death (0.46 % vs 0.36 %, p = 0.02) and early neonatal death (0.38 % vs 0.28 %, p = 0.015) declined after closure of the hospital. The number of preterm births decreased significantly (8.7 % vs 8.1 %, p=<0.007) as well as number of neonates with congenital abnormalities (3.2 % vs2.2 %, p=<0.0001). APGAR < 7 after 5 min increased (2.3 % vs 2.5 %, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in SGA or NICU admission. Postpartum hemorrhage increased significantly from 7.7 % to 8.2 % (p=<0.003). Perinatal mortality from 32 weeks onwards was not significantly different after closure 0.29 % to 0.27 %.

CONCLUSIONS

After closure of an obstetric unit in a community hospital in Amsterdam, there was a significant decrease in perinatal, intrapartum and early neonatal mortality in neonates born from 24+0 onwards. The mortality decrease coincides with a reduction of preterm deliveries. The increasing trend in asphyxia and postpartum hemorrhage is of concern.. Centralization of care and increasing birth volume per hospital may lead to improvement of quality of care. A broad integrated, multidisciplinary maternity healthcare system linked with the social domain can achieve health gains in maternity care for all women.

Conditions for autonomous reproductive decision-making in prenatal screening: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women should be able to make autonomous and meaningful decisions about prenatal screening for fetal abnormalities. It remains largely unclear which circumstances facilitate or hinder such a decision-making process.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate what conditions Dutch pregnant women and professional experts consider important for autonomous reproductive decision-making in prenatal screening for fetal abnormalities, and the extent to which, according to women, those conditions are met in practice.

METHODS

A mixed methods study was conducted in the Netherlands in 2016-2017. A conceptual model was used to interview professional experts (n = 16) and pregnant women (n = 19). Thematic analysis was performed to identify important conditions. Subsequently, a questionnaire assessed the perceived importance of those conditions and the extent to which these were met, in the experience of pregnant women (n = 200).

RESULTS

Professional experts stressed the importance of information provision, and emphasized a rational decision-making model. Pregnant women differed in what information they felt was needed, and this depended on the screening decision made. Questionnaire findings showed that women prioritized discussion and consensus with partners. Information about test accuracy and miscarriage risk of invasive follow-up testing was also considered important. Two key conditions were not adequately met, in the experience of women: (1) having information about miscarriage risk; (2) not being directed by health professionals in decision-making.

CONCLUSION

According to women, discussion and consensus with partners was considered a highly important condition for an autonomous and meaningful decision-making process. Access to information about safety of testing and ensuring that women are not being directed in their decision-making by health professionals seem to be areas for improvement in prenatal care practice.

Cytogenetic outcomes following a failed cell-free DNA screen: a population-based retrospective cohort study of 35,146 singleton pregnancies

BACKGROUND

Cell-free fetal DNA screening is routinely offered to pregnant individuals to screen for aneuploidies. Although cell-free DNA screening is consistently more accurate than multiple-marker screening, it sometimes fails to yield a result. These test failures and their clinical implications are poorly described in the literature. Some studies suggest that a failed cell-free DNA screening result is associated with increased likelihood of cytogenetic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the association between a failed cell-free DNA test and common aneuploidies. The objectives were to determine: (1) the proportion of test failures on first and subsequent attempts, and (2) whether a failed cell-free DNA screen on first attempt is associated with increased likelihood of common aneuploidies (trisomies 21, 18, and 13, and sex chromosome aneuploidies).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a population-based retrospective cohort study using data from Ontario's prescribed maternal and child registry, Better Outcomes Registry and Network Ontario. The study included all singleton pregnancies in Ontario with an estimated date of delivery from September 1, 2016 to March 31, 2019 that had a cell-free DNA screening record in the registry. Specific outcomes (trisomies 21, 18, and 13, and sex chromosome aneuploidies) of pregnancies with a failed cell-free DNA screen on first attempt were compared with those of pregnancies with low-risk cell-free DNA-screening results using modified Poisson regression adjusted for funding status (publicly funded vs self-paid), gestational age at screening, method of conception, and maternal age for autosomal aneuploidies.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 35,146 pregnancies that had cell-free DNA screening during the study period. The overall cell-free DNA screening failure rate was 4.8% on first attempt and 2.2% after multiple attempts. An abnormal cytogenetic result for trisomies 21, 18, and 13, or sex chromosome aneuploidies was identified in 19.4% of pregnancies with a failed cell-free DNA screening for which cytogenetic testing was performed. Pregnancies with a failed cell-free DNA screen on first attempt had a relative risk of 130.3 (95% confidence interval, 64.7-262.6) for trisomy 21, trisomy 18, or trisomy 13, and a risk difference of 5.4% (95% confidence interval, 2.6-8.3), compared with pregnancies with a low-risk result. The risk of sex chromosome aneuploidies was not significantly greater in pregnancies with a failed result compared with pregnancies with a low-risk result (relative risk, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-7.9; relative difference, 1.2%; 95% confidence interval, -0.9 to 3.2).

CONCLUSION

Cell-free DNA screening test failures are relatively common. Although repeated testing improves the likelihood of an informative result, pregnancies with a failed cell-free DNA screen upon first attempt remain at increased risk for common autosomal aneuploidies, but not sex chromosome aneuploidies.

Case Report: Two cases of apparent discordance between non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and amniocentesis resulting in feto-placental mosaicism of trisomy 21. Issues in diagnosis, investigation and counselling

The sequencing of cell-free fetal DNA in the maternal plasma through non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is an accurate genetic screening test to detect the most common fetal aneuploidies during pregnancy. The extensive use of NIPT, as a screening method, has highlighted the limits of the technique, including false positive and negative results. Feto-placental mosaicism is a challenging biological issue and is the most frequent cause of false positive and negative results in NIPT screening, and of discrepancy between NIPT and invasive test results. We are reporting on two cases of feto-placental mosaicism of trisomy 21, both with a low-risk NIPT result, identified by ultrasound signs and a subsequent amniocentesis consistent with a trisomy 21. In both cases, after the pregnancy termination, cytogenetic and/or cytogenomic analyses were performed on the placenta and fetal tissues, showing in the first case a mosaicism of trisomy 21 in both the placenta and the fetus, but a mosaicism in the placenta and a complete trisomy 21 in the fetus in the second case. These cases emphasize the need for accurate and complete pre-test NIPT counselling, as well as to identify situations at risk for a possible false negative NIPT result, which may underestimate a potential pathological condition, such as feto-placental mosaicism or fetal trisomy. Post-mortem molecular autopsy may discriminate between placental, fetal and feto-placental mosaicism, and between complete or mosaic fetal chromosomal anomalies. A multidisciplinary approach in counselling, as well as in the interpretation of biological events, is essential for the clarification of complex cases, such as feto-placental mosaicisms.

Additional value of advanced ultrasonography in pregnancies with two inconclusive cell-free DNA draws

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the additional value of advanced fetal anatomical assessment by ultrasound in pregnancies with twice inconclusive noninvasive testing (NIPT) due to low fetal fraction (FF).

METHODS

We performed a multicenter-retrospective study between 2017 and 2020 including 311 pregnancies with twice inconclusive NIPT due to low FF ≤ 1%. Women were offered invasive testing and advanced fetal anatomical assessment at ≤18 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound findings, genetic testing, and pregnancy/postnatal outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Ninety-two/311 (29.6%) women underwent invasive testing. Structural anomalies were diagnosed in 13/311 (4.2%) pregnancies (nine at the first scan and four at follow-up). In 6/13 (46.2%) cases, genetic aberrations were confirmed (one case of Trisomy 13 (detectable by NIPT), two of Triploidy, one of 16q12-deletion, HCN4-mutation and UPD(16) (nondetectable by NIPT). Genetic aberrations were found in 4/298 (1.3%) structurallynormal pregnancies (one 47XYY, two microscopic aberrations, one monogenic disorder found postpartum). Structural anomalies in genetically normal fetuses (2.0%) were not more prevalent compared to the general pregnant population (OR 1.0 [0.4-2.2]).

CONCLUSION

In pregnancies with twice inconclusive NIPT due to low FF, fetal structural anomalies are not more prevalent than in the general obstetric population. The detailed anatomical assessment has the added value to detect phenotypical features suggestive of chromosomal/genetic aberrations and identify pregnancies where advanced genetic testing may be indicated.

Study on the Clinical Value of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing in Screening the Chromosomal Abnormalities of the Fetus in the Elderly Pregnant Women

Introduction

To explore the clinical value of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in screening the chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus in the elderly pregnant women.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2020 and December 2021, 1949 elderly pregnant women underwent NIPT in our hospital. At the same time, 236 elderly pregnant women received invasive prenatal diagnosis, and the pregnancy outcomes were followed-up.

Results

When NIPT was used for prenatal screening of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy, its diagnostic coincidence rate for trisomy 21 was the highest, with a coincidence rate of 90.00%, and the diagnostic coincidence rate for other chromosomal abnormalities was the lowest, only 22.22%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive rate, and negative predictive rate for T21 by NIPT were 100%, 99.97%, 94.28%, and 100%; for T18 were 100%, 99.92%, 72.22%, and 100%, respectively; and for T13 were 100%, 99.95%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. Patients with high risks according to NIPT results further received invasive prenatal diagnosis, and 18 cases were excluded from the follow-up. For the remaining 1933 cases in the NIPT group, there was an incidence of 2.28% of adverse pregnancy outcomes. For the remaining 234 cases in the Amniocentesis group, there was an incidence of 1.28% of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The diagnostic rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in pregnant women under 40 years old was about 0.39-0.79%; however, the risk for people over 40 is relatively high at 1.32-4.44%.

Conclusion

The noninvasive prenatal screening of fetal DNA in the second trimester of pregnancy for elderly pregnant women has high application value in the prediction of pregnancy outcome. The high risk of pregnancy can be determined by detecting trisomy 21, 18, and 13 syndromes, and the probability of adverse pregnancy outcome increases.

Analysis of the impact of noninvasive prenatal testing for trisomies 21 and 18 in twin pregnancies undergoing artificial reproductive technology

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance and impact of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) on twin pregnancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twin pregnancies after artificial reproductive technology(ART) were tested by NIPS for screening trisomy 21, 18, and 13 in a single medical center in Hangzhou. Positive NIPS results were confirmed by karyotyping, while negative results were interviewed after delivery.

RESULTS

From January 2019 to December 2020, 474 twin pregnancies were tested by NIPS for screening trisomy 21, 18, and 13 in a single medical center in Hangzhou. The performance of NIPS had been evaluated compared to the invasive diagnostic results. The positive predictive value (PPV) of NIPS for chromosome 21 and 18 aneuploidies is 80% (95CI, 36.09-96.59) and 100%, respectively. The incidence of trisomy 21, and 18 chromosome aneuploidies among the twin pregnancies undergoing ART was 0.84% and 0.21%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The performance of NIPS was substantially accurate among the twin pregnancies after ART in this study, and NIPS potentially avoided a considerable part of aneuploidies liveborn in twin pregnancies in Hangzhou.

A Critical Evaluation of Validation and Clinical Experience Studies in Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Trisomies 21, 18, and 13 and Monosomy X

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for trisomies 21, 18, 13 and monosomy X is widely utilized with massively parallel shotgun sequencing (MPSS), digital analysis of selected regions (DANSR), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses being the most widely reported methods. We searched the literature to find all NIPT clinical validation and clinical experience studies between January 2011 and January 2022. Meta-analyses were performed using bivariate random-effects and univariate regression models for estimating summary performance measures across studies. Bivariate meta-regression was performed to explore the influence of testing method and study design. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses evaluated factors that may have led to heterogeneity. Based on 55 validation studies, the detection rate (DR) was significantly higher for retrospective studies, while the false positive rate (FPR) was significantly lower for prospective studies. Comparing the performance of NIPT methods for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 combined, the SNP method had a higher DR and lower FPR than other methods, significantly so for MPSS, though not for DANSR. The performance of the different methods in the 84 clinical experience studies was consistent with validation studies. Clinical positive predictive values of all NIPT methods improved over the last decade. We conclude that all NIPT methods are highly effective for fetal aneuploidy screening, with performance differences across methodologies.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening Strategies Involving Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Trisomy 21

Introduction

In accordance with social development, the proportion of advanced maternal age (AMA) increased and the cost of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) decreased.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the benefits and cost-effectiveness of NIPT as primary or contingent strategies limited to the high-risk population of trisomy 21 (T21).

Methods

Referring to parameters from publications or on-site verification, a theoretical model involving 1,000,000 single pregnancies was established. We presented five screening scenarios, primary NIPT (Strategy 1), contingent NIPT after traditional triple serum screening higher than 1/300 or 1/1,000 (Strategy 2-1 or 2-2), and age-based Strategy 3. Strategy 3 was stratified, with the following options: (1) for advanced maternal age (AMA) of 40 years and more, diagnostic testing was offered, (2) for AMA of 35-39 years, NIPT was introduced, (3) if younger than 35 years of age, contingent NIPT with risk higher than 1:300 (Strategy 3-1) or 1:1,000 (Strategy 3-2) will be offered. The primary outcome was an incremental cost analysis on the baseline and alternative assumptions, taking aging society, NIPT price, and compliance into consideration. The strategy was "appropriate" when the incremental cost was less than the cost of raising one T21 child (0.215 million US$). The second outcome included total cost, cost-effect, cost-benefit analysis, and screening efficiency.

Results

Strategy1 was costly, while detecting most T21. Strategy 2-1 reduced unnecessary prenatal diagnosis (PD) and was optimal in total cost, cost-effect, and cost-benefit analysis, nevertheless, T21 detection was the least. Strategy 3 induced most of the PD procedures. Then, setting Strategy2-1 as a baseline for incremental cost analysis, Strategy 3-1 was appropriate. In sensitivity analysis, when the NIPT price was lower than 47 US$, Strategy 1 was the most appropriate. In a society with more than 20% of people older than 35 years of age, the incremental cost of Strategy 3-2 was proper.

Conclusion

Combined strategies involving NIPT reduced unnecessary diagnostic tests. The AMA proportion and NIPT price played critical roles in the strategic decision. The age-based strategy was optimal in incremental cost analysis and was presented to be prominent as AMA proportion and NIPT acceptance increased. The primary NIPT was the most effective, but only at a certain price, it became the most cost-effective strategy.

Clinical impact of additional findings detected by genome-wide non-invasive prenatal testing: Follow-up results of the TRIDENT-2 study

In the TRIDENT-2 study, all pregnant women in the Netherlands are offered genome-wide non-invasive prenatal testing (GW-NIPT) with a choice of receiving either full screening or screening solely for common trisomies. Previous data showed that GW-NIPT can reliably detect common trisomies in the general obstetric population and that this test can also detect other chromosomal abnormalities (additional findings). However, evidence regarding the clinical impact of screening for additional findings is lacking. Therefore, we present follow-up results of the TRIDENT-2 study to determine this clinical impact based on the laboratory and perinatal outcomes of cases with additional findings. Between April 2017 and April 2019, additional findings were detected in 402/110,739 pregnancies (0.36%). For 358 cases, the origin was proven to be either fetal (n = 79; 22.1%), (assumed) confined placental mosaicism (CPM) (n = 189; 52.8%), or maternal (n = 90; 25.1%). For the remaining 44 (10.9%), the origin of the aberration could not be determined. Most fetal chromosomal aberrations were pathogenic and associated with severe clinical phenotypes (61/79; 77.2%). For CPM cases, occurrence of pre-eclampsia (8.5% [16/189] vs 0.5% [754/159,924]; RR 18.5), and birth weight <2.3rd percentile (13.6% [24/177] vs 2.5% [3,892/155,491]; RR 5.5) were significantly increased compared to the general obstetric population. Of the 90 maternal findings, 12 (13.3%) were malignancies and 32 (35.6%) (mosaic) pathogenic copy number variants, mostly associated with mild or no clinical phenotypes. Data from this large cohort study provide crucial information for deciding if and how to implement GW-NIPT in screening programs. Additionally, these data can inform the challenging interpretation, counseling, and follow-up of additional findings.

Nationwide implementation of the non-invasive prenatal test: Evaluation of a blended learning program for counselors

This study assesses the results of a mandatory blended learning-program for counselors (e.g. midwives, sonographers, obstetricians) guiding national implementation of the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT). We assessed counselors’ 1) knowledge about prenatal aneuploidy screening, 2) factors associated with their knowledge (e.g. counselors’ characteristics, attitudes towards NIPT), and 3) counselors’ attitudes regarding the blended learning. A cross-sectional online pretest-posttest implementation survey was sent to all 2,813 Dutch prenatal counselors. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify associations between counselors’ knowledge and e.g. their professional backgrounds, work experience and attitudes towards NIPT. At T0 and T1 1,635 and 913 counselors completed the survey, respectively. Overall results show an increased mean number of correct answered knowledge questions; 23/35 (66%) items at T0 and 28/37 (76%) items at T1. Knowledge gaps on highly specific topics remained. Work experience and secondary care work-setting were positively associated with a higher level of knowledge. Most counselors (74%) showed positive attitudes towards the blended learning program. The mandatory blended learning, along with learning by experience through implementation of NIPT, has facilitated an increase in counselors’ knowledge and was well received. New implementations in healthcare may benefit from requiring blended learning for healthcare providers, especially if tailored to professionals’ learning goals.

Prenatal NeuN+ neurons of Down syndrome display aberrant integrative DNA methylation and gene expression profiles

Aim: To detect expression quantitative trait methylation (eQTM) loci within the cerebrum of prenatal Down syndrome (DS) and controls. Material & methods: DNA methylation gene expression profiles were acquired from NeuN+ nuclei, obtained from cerebrum sections of DS and controls. Linear regression models were applied to both datasets and were subsequently applied in an integrative analysis model to detect DS-associated eQTM loci. Results & conclusion: Widespread aberrant DNA methylation and gene expression were observed in DS. A substantial number of differentially methylated loci were replicated according to a previously reported study. Subsequent integrative analyses (eQTM) yielded numerous associated DS loci. the authors associated DNA methylation, gene expression and eQTM loci with DS that may underlie particular DS phenotypical characteristics.

Trends in Non-invasive Prenatal Screening and Invasive Testing in Denmark (2000-2019) and Israel (2011-2019)

Introduction: Following the wide distribution of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening (NIPS), numerous studies have reported a decline in total invasive tests in the recent years, up to 50–70% in some countries. However, in Denmark and Israel we have not experienced these declines. The objective of our study was to evaluate the trends in NIPS and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) use in Denmark and Israel.

Methods: This retrospective study was performed by data acquisition from the Danish Cytogenetics Central Registry throughout the years 2000–2019, and Israeli Public Health Services, Ministry of Health computerized database (from 2011).

Results: Of the 1,243,956 live births registered in Denmark over the years 2000–2019, a relatively steady level of invasive testing around 6% was noted since 2004, as opposed to 13.0% in Israel based on 1,594,962 live births between 2011 and 2019. The average uptake of NIPS was 1.1 ± 0.5% in Denmark vs. 4.3% in Israel (2013–2019). Relatively steady rates of invasive testing were noted in both countries, compared to a slight decline in NIPS in the recent years.

Discussion: The recent decrease in the rates of invasive testing in the NIPS era was not observed in Denmark or in Israel. These results imply that Danish and Israeli women and/or health providers might favor the high resolution and yield of CMA testing over the non-invasiveness of NIPS. We explore and discuss this phenomenon, based on five central factors.

Non-invasive prenatal screening for foetal trisomy: An assessment of reliability and reporting

OBJECTIVE

Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) has been introduced as a routine screening technique for aneuploidies in the clinic. To evaluate its reliability and reporting standardization, the National Center for Clinical Laboratories launched an external quality assessment (EQA) program based on highly simulated samples.

METHODS

Maternal and child paired cell lines were digested by enzymes to obtain DNA fragments for the analysis panel, which were composed of 5% T21, 5% T18, 10% T13, 10% euploid, and 20% T18 samples. The samples were validated and distributed to laboratories along with scenarios and questionnaires for analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 350 participating laboratories, 98.6% correctly identified all samples. The concurrence rates of laboratories for the 5% T21, 5% T18, 10% T13, 10% euploid, and 20% T18 samples were 98.9%, 99.7%, 99.7%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Enrichment increased the foetal fraction (FF) values by 2 ∼ 3-fold, but the z scores generated by the enrichment group fluctuated greatly. Other FF estimation techniques, such as the size-based and FF-QuantSC methods, generated slightly different FF values from the chr Y-based method. Furthermore, some laboratories omitted the suggestions of results in reports.

CONCLUSIONS

The participating laboratories provided highly reliable results for samples with relatively higher FF values. However, the absence of performance validation, laboratory errors, and low FF values were potential reasons for false-negative results. In addition, enrichment operations should be validated and normalized to guarantee NIPS reproducibility, plus further efforts are required to standardize the NIPS reports.

The implementation of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands prenatal screening is offered as a mean to increase reproductive choices of couples. All women are counseled on the existing options by trained midwives. The government puts a great emphasis on informed choice and on womens' opinions and reactions to screenings options. Since 2017 non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT, cf-DNA) is offered as first tier screening for aneuploidies in the genome-wide (GW) variant at the cost of 175 Euro's. Uptake is around 50%. This screenings offer is perceived as unconventional for the traditionally cautious Dutch system.

Increased nuchal translucency before 11 weeks of gestation: Reason for referral?

OBJECTIVES

In this era of non-invasive-prenatal testing (NIPT), when dating scans are usually performed around 10 weeks of gestation, an increased NT before the official established timeframe (CRL between 45 and 84 mm) may be encountered. Information on management of these pregnancies is limited. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between an early increased NT and adverse pregnancy outcome. Secondary, we evaluated the rate of chromosomal anomalies that might have been missed in first trimester should solely NIPT be performed as first-tier test, and the rate of adverse pregnancy outcome if NT normalizes before 14 weeks.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study that included all pregnancies between January 1, 2007 and June 1, 2020 in Amsterdam UMC locations AMC and VUmc. We included fetuses with a crown-rump length (CRL) < 45 mm (∼11 weeks) and a nuchal translucency (NT) measurement ≥2.5 mm. Fetuses referred with an early increased NT and a major fetal anomaly at the dating scan were excluded, as were cases of parents with a family history of monogenetic disease(s) or recognized carriers of a balanced translocation.

RESULTS

We included 120 fetuses of which 66.7% (80/120) had an adverse pregnancy outcome. Congenital anomalies were present in 56.7% (68/120), 45.8% (55/120) had a chromosomal anomaly. The prevalence of congenital anomalies was 30.3% in fetuses with NT 2.5-3.4 mm compared to 66.7% with NT ≥ 3.5 mm (p < 0.001). 16.7% (20/120) had a chromosomal anomaly that might have been missed by conventional NIPT in first trimester. We found an adverse pregnancy outcome of 24% in the group with a normalized NT compared to 78.1% in the group with a persistently increased NT (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

An early increased NT should make the sonographer alert. In this selected cohort, an early increased NT was associated with a high probability of having an adverse pregnancy outcome. Regardless of CRL, we deem that an early increased NT ≥ 3.5 mm warrants referral to a Fetal Medicine Unit for an extensive work-up. NT normalization seems favorable, but a prospective study should define the appropriate work-up for NT in the lower range (2.5-3.4 mm).

Performance of a universal prenatal screening program incorporating cell-free fetal DNA analysis in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND:

The emergence of cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) testing technology has disrupted the landscape of prenatal screening for trisomies 21 (T21) and 18 (T18). Publicly funded systems around the world are grappling with how to best integrate this more accurate but costly technology, as there is limited evidence about its incremental value in real-world conditions. The objectives of this study were to describe the population-based performance of Ontario’s prenatal screening program, which incorporates publicly funded cfDNA screening for specific indications, and the effect of cfDNA testing on the screening and diagnostic choices made by pregnant people.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive cohort study using routinely collected data from Better Outcomes & Registry Network (BORN) Ontario, which captures linked population data for prenatal and neonatal health encounters across Ontario. We included all singleton pregnancies with an estimated due date between Sept. 1, 2016, and Mar. 31, 2019, that underwent publicly funded prenatal screening in Ontario, and a comparison cohort from Apr. 1, 2012, and Mar. 31, 2013. We assessed performance of the screening program for the detection of T21 or T18 by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value against diagnostic cytogenetic results or birth outcomes. We assessed the impact of the program by calculating the proportion of T21 screen-positive pregnancies undergoing subsequent cfDNA screening and invasive prenatal diagnostic testing.

RESULTS:

The study cohort included 373 682 pregnancies. The prenatal screening program had an uptake of 69.9%, a screen-positive rate and sensitivity of 1.6% and 89.9% for T21, and 0.2% and 80.5% for T18, respectively. The test failure rate for cfDNA screening was 2.2%. Invasive prenatal diagnostic testing decreased from 4.4% in 2012–2013 to 2.4% over the study period; 65.2% of pregnant people who received a screen-positive result from cfDNA testing went on to have invasive prenatal diagnostic testing.

INTERPRETATION:

This publicly funded screening program, incorporating cfDNA analysis for common aneuploidies, showed robust performance, a substantial reduction in invasive prenatal diagnostic testing and that pregnant people exercise autonomy in their choices about prenatal screening and diagnosis.

Three years of clinical experience with a genome-wide cfDNA screening test for aneuploidies and copy-number variants

PURPOSE

Pregnant women have unprecedented choices for prenatal screening and testing. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) offers the option to screen for aneuploidy of all chromosomes and genome-wide copy-number variants (CNVs), expanding screening beyond the common trisomies ("traditional" cfDNA). We sought to review the utilization trends and clinical performance characteristics of a commercially available genome-wide cfDNA test, with a subset having available diagnostic testing outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 55,517 samples submitted for genome-wide cfDNA screening at a commercial laboratory, assessing indications, demographics, results, and performance. The cohort was broken into three "testing years"' to compare trends.

RESULTS

Indications shifted over time, with a decrease in referrals for ultrasound findings (22.0% to 12.0%) and an increase in no known high-risk indication (3.0% to 16.6%). Of the positive results, 25% would be missed with traditional cfDNA screening. High sensitivity and specificity were observed with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 72.6% for genome-wide CNVs and 22.4% for rare autosomal trisomies (RATs).

CONCLUSION

A broader patient population is utilizing genome-wide cfDNA, yet positivity rates and the contribution of genome-wide events have remained stable at approximately 5% and 25%, respectively. Test performance in a real-world clinical population shows high PPVs in those CNVs tested, with diagnostic outcomes in over 40% of positive cases.

Contingent prenatal screening for frequent aneuploidies with cell-free fetal DNA analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of contingent screening for common aneuploidies at our center from June 2017 to June 2019.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Traditional screening tests were performed using a combination of biochemical markers and ultrasound measurements in the first and second trimesters to assess the risk of trisomies 21 (T21), 18 (T18) and 13 (T13). Cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) testing was offered (Harmony test) to pregnant women at high risk (>1/280 for T21 and > 1/150 for T13 and T18) and a normal early morphology scan. In positive cases, prenatal sampling was strongly recommended to confirm the results by gold standard methods (QF-PCR and karyotyping). Newborns' phenotypes were corroborated after birth in all cases.

RESULTS

In this prospective study, 8153 pregnant women were enrolled, resulting in 390 at high risk according to traditional screening tests. cfDNA testing was offered to 383 women. Traditional screening tests showed a false negative rate of 9.68% for T21. Traditional test sensitivity for T21 was 90.3%, for a false positive rate of 4.17% and a positive predictive value of 7.6%. The positive and negative predictive value for cfDNA testing was 100%. The approach used avoided invasive procedures in 91.3% of women at high risk. The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in the population analyzed was 1 in 164, and 1 in 210 for T21.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that offering cf-DNA testing to women at high risk in traditional tests (including those with risks >1 in 50) significantly reduces false positives and, therefore, the number of invasive tests. Extending the use of cf-DNA testing to intermediate risk categories may be cost effective.

Clients' perspectives on the quality of counseling for prenatal anomaly screening. A comparison between 2011 and 2019

OBJECTIVE

There have been substantial medical developments in prenatal anomaly and aneuploidy screening. However, the quality of counseling about these tests tends to lag behind. Additional quality requirements were therefore implemented in the Netherlands in 2017 to optimize this counseling. We compared clients' counseling preferences and experiences before and after implementation of these requirements.

METHODS

We used the validated 57-item QUOTE^prenatal questionnaire, to measure clients' counseling preferences and experiences before and after counseling in 20 obstetric organizations throughout the Netherlands. Clients' preferences and experiences were compared between pregnant women and partners, nulliparous versus multiparous clients and between results of a Dutch survey in 2011 and the current one.

RESULTS

Sixty-five counselors and 649 clients (353 pregnant women and 296 partners) participated in this study. Compared to 2011, slightly more clients considered the three QUOTE^prenatal components of counseling (client-counselor relationship, health education, and decision-making support) to be either important or very important, especially decision-making support. More clients than in 2011 perceived their needs as being well addressed, with the lowest percentages for decision-making support.

CONCLUSION

Quality requirements seem to benefit the quality of counseling, as perceived by clients.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Counselors should consider tailoring their decision-making support more to clients' needs.

Utilization and uptake of clinical genetics services in high-income countries: A scoping review

Ongoing rapid growth in the need for genetic services has the potential to severely strain the capacity of the clinical genetics workforce to deliver this care. Unfortunately, assessments of the scale of this health policy challenge and potential solutions are hampered by the lack of a consolidated evidence base on the growth in genetic service utilization. To enable health policy research and strategic planning by health systems in this area, we conducted a scoping review of the literature on the utilization and uptake of clinical genetics services in high-income countries published between 2010 and 2018. One-hundred-and-ninety-five unique studies were included in the review. Most focused on cancer (85/195; 44%) and prenatal care (50/195; 26%), which are consistently the two areas with the greatest volume of genetic service utilization in both the United States and other high-income countries. Utilization and uptake rates varied considerably and were influenced by contextual factors including health system characteristics, provider knowledge, and patient preferences. Moreover, growth in genetic service utilization appears to be driven to a significant degree by technological advances and the integration of new tests into clinical care. Our review highlights both the policy challenge posed by the rapid growth in the utilization of genetic services and the variability in this trend across clinical indications and health systems.

Adaptive parameter of standard deviation enhances the power of noninvasive prenatal screens

PURPOSE

Traditional Z-test methods during noninvasive prenatal screens (NIPS) use the fixed parameter of standard deviation (SD), which ignores the influence of actual sequencing read counts of a sample on the results. The aim of this study is to eliminate the influence of the sequencing depth of individual samples on the results and enhance the power of NIPS.

METHODS

In this study, we propose an improved NIPS method, which calculates the SD in the Z-score process adaptively according to the actual read count of the test sample. Our approach obtained the SD linear fitting function along with the read count with a large number of reference samples, in which SD and read count fit well. The effectiveness of our enhanced NIPS method was evaluated on three common trisomy syndromes and five recurrent CNV syndromes with 3219 and 6592 samples based on whole genome sequencing of maternal peripheral blood.

RESULTS

A total of 3,219 pregnant samples have been used for validating the proposed method on detecting fetal trisomy syndromes (T13, T18, and T21), in which eight false negative (FN) samples have been corrected as true positive (TP) and eight false positive (FP) samples have been fixed as true negative (TN) with our proposed adaptive-SD method. Another 6592 samples were used to compare the two methods on detecting five recurrent fetal copy number variation (CNV) syndromes, in which the FP samples have decreased from 99 to 39.

CONCLUSIONS

Our adaptive-SD NIPS method shows more power on detecting both trisomy syndromes and five recurrent CNVs in the pregnant samples with diverse read counts. Besides, our proposed method contributes to lower FP and FN samples than the traditional Z-test method in NIPS. Our results show that our enhanced NIPS methods are effective in detecting both abnormal fetal trisomy syndromes and recurrent CNV syndromes in pregnant women.

The Emergence and Global Spread of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

Since its introduction in 2011, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has spread rapidly around the world. It carries numerous benefits but also raises challenges, often related to sociocultural, legal, and economic contexts. This article describes the implementation of NIPT in nine countries, each with its own unique characteristics: Australia, Canada, China and Hong Kong, India, Israel, Lebanon, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Themes covered for each country include the structure of the healthcare system, how NIPT is offered, counseling needs and resources, and cultural and legal context regarding disability and pregnancytermination. Some common issues emerge, including cost as a barrier to equitable access, the complexity of decision-making about public funding, and a shortage of appropriate resources that promote informed choice. Conversely, sociocultural values that underlie the use of NIPT vary greatly among countries. The issues described will become even more challenging as NIPT evolves from a second-tier to a first-tier screening test with expanded use.

Adoption of a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) in prenatal screening in Moscow: first results

The objective — To assess the effectiveness of including NIPT in the structure of prenatal diagnostics in Moscow. Material and Methods — Totally 5,181 pregnancies undergoing screening for fetal trisomy using NIPT during the period from 01.04.2020 to 30.09.2020 in Russia. According to the results of biochemical blood test, the patients were divided into two groups: group of high risk (cut-off ≥1:100) (n=208) and group of intermediate risk (cut-off 1:101 – 1:2500) (n=4,973). Patients at high-risk cell-free DNA (cfDNA) were offered an invasive procedure, followed by genetic analysis (cytogenetic or molecular karyotyping). Results — Among the analysed samples, 117 (2.3%) had a high risk of the following common fetal chromosome abnormalities by NIPT: trisomy 21 in 50 cases, trisomy 18 in 17 cases, trisomy 13 in 5 cases, and sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) in 22 cases. Additionally, rare autosomal trisomies and/or subchromosomal arrangements were revealed in 23 cases. We found associations between cfDNA concentration and high risk of aneuploidies (particularly trisomy 21) and fetal sex and between low fetal fraction (FF) and body mass index (BMI) as well as maternal weight. Additionally, a high risk of trisomy 21 was associated with the term gestation. Conclusion — The effectiveness of technological resources that are based on cfDNA testing for detecting abnormal fetal chromosome numbers and other chromosomal anomalies is high and reduce rates of false positive results. Therefore, NIPT should be more widely used as a first-line screening method.

Uptake of fetal aneuploidy screening after the introduction of the non-invasive prenatal test: A national population-based register study

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) has shifted the prenatal screening landscape. Countries are exploring ways to integrate NIPT in their national prenatal screening programs, either as a first- or second-tier test. This study aimed to describe how the uptake of fetal aneuploidy screening changed after the introduction of NIPT as a second-tier and as a first-tier test within the national prenatal screening program of the Netherlands.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A population-based register study in the Netherlands, recording uptake of fetal aneuploidy screening. Data from all pregnant women choosing to have the first-trimester combined test (FCT) or first-tier NIPT between January 2007 and March 2019 were retrospectively collected using national registration systems. Uptake percentages for fetal aneuploidy screening (FCT and NIPT) were calculated and stratified by region and maternal age. Statistical significance was determined using trend analysis and chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2013 FCT uptake increased from 14.8% to 29.5% (P = .004). In April 2014 NIPT was introduced as a second-tier test for high-risk women after FCT (TRIDENT-1 study). FCT uptake rose from 29.5% in 2013 to 34.2% in 2015 (P < .0001). After the introduction of NIPT as a first-tier test for all women in April 2017 (TRIDENT-2 study), FCT uptake declined significantly from 35.8% in 2016 to 2.6% in 2018 (P < .0001). NIPT uptake increased to 43.4% in 2018. Regionally, NIPT uptake ranged from 31.8% to 67.9%. Total uptake (FCT and NIPT) between 2007 and 2018 increased significantly from 14.8% to 45.9% (P < .0001). However, total uptake stabilized at 46% for both years of TRIDENT-2 (April 2017-March 2019).

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in total fetal aneuploidy screening uptake up to 45.9% was observed after the introduction of NIPT. Uptake appears to have stabilized within a year after introducing first-tier NIPT.

Patient-friendly integrated first trimester screening by NIPT and fetal anomaly scan

Many major structural fetal anomalies can be diagnosed by first trimester fetal anomaly scan. NIPT can accurately detect aneuploidies and large chromosomal aberrations in cfDNA in maternal blood plasma. This study shows how a patient-friendly first trimester screening for both chromosomal and structural fetal anomalies in only two outpatient visits can be provided. Genotype-first approach assures not only the earliest diagnosis of trisomy 21 (the most prevalent chromosome aberration), but also completion of the screening at 12–14 weeks. To ensure proper management and avoid unnecessary anxiety abnormal NIPT different from trisomy 21, 18 and 13 should be referred for genetic counseling.

Clinical Significance of Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening for Trisomy 7: Cohort Study and Literature Review

Trisomy 7 is the most frequently observed type of rare autosomal trisomies in genome-wide non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). Currently, the clinical significance of trisomy 7 NIPS-positive results is still unknown. We reviewed two independent cohorts from two laboratories where similar NIPS metrics were applied. A total of 70,441 singleton cases who underwent genome-wide NIPS were analyzed, among which 39 pregnancies were positive for trisomy 7, yielding a screen-positive rate of 0.055% (39/70,441). There were 28 cases with invasive testing results available; the positive predictive value (PPV) was 3.6% (1/28). We then searched the published NIPS studies to generate a large cohort of 437,873 pregnancies and identified 247 cases (0.056%) that were screened positive for trisomy 7. The overall PPV was 3.4% (4/118) in the combined data. The presence of uniparental disomy 7 was not detected in the NIPS trisomy 7-positive pregnancies with normal fetal karyotype. Among the 85 cases with pregnancy outcome available in combined data, 88.2% were normal live births, 14.1% had intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth or low birth weight, 3.5% presented with ultrasound abnormality, and no fetal loss was observed. Our data provide valuable information for counseling and management of trisomy 7-positive NIPS pregnancies.

Cell-free DNA and RNA-measurement and applications in clinical diagnostics with focus on metabolic disorders

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and RNA (cfRNA) hold enormous potential as a new class of biomarkers for the development of noninvasive liquid biopsies in many diseases and conditions. In recent years, cfDNA and cfRNA have been studied intensely as tools for noninvasive prenatal testing, solid organ transplantation, cancer screening, and monitoring of tumors. In obesity, higher cfDNA concentration indicates accelerated cellular turnover of adipocytes during expansion of adipose mass and may be directly involved in the development of adipose tissue insulin resistance by inducing inflammation. Furthermore, cfDNA and cfRNA have promising diagnostic value in a range of obesity-related metabolic disorders, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and diabetic complications. Here, we review the current and future applications of cfDNA and cfRNA within clinical diagnostics, discuss technical and analytical challenges in the field, and summarize the opportunities of using cfDNA and cfRNA in the diagnostics and prognostics of obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Next-generation sequencing: a follow-up of 36,913 singleton pregnancies with noninvasive prenatal testing in central China

PURPOSE

To evaluate the noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results of 36,913 cases in Jiangxi province of central China and explore its application value in prenatal screening and diagnosis.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included 36,913 singleton pregnant women who underwent NIPT because of moderate-/high-risk pregnancy or voluntary requirements between January 2017 and December 2019 in our hospital. Chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomies 21, 18, and 13 (T21, T18, T13) and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) were judged by standard Z-score analysis. Positive NIPT results were confirmed by amniocentesis and karyotyping. Pregnancy outcomes were followed up via telephone interview.

RESULTS

A total of 1.01% (371/36,913) positive cases were detected by NIPT, comprising 137, 46, 31, and 157 cases of T21, T18, T13, and SCAs, respectively. A total of 116 of T21, 27 of T18, 13 of T13, and 51 of SCAs were confirmed to be true positive; all normal cases that had been followed up were verified to be true negative. The NIPT sensitivity in T21, T18, T13, and SCAs was 100.00% individually, whereas the specificity was 99.94% (36,488/36,509), 99.95% (36,579/36,598), 99.95% (36,594/36,612), and 99.72% (36,472/36,574), respectively. Furthermore, the negative predictive values of T21, T18, T13, and SCAs were all 100%, while the positive predictive values were 84.67%, 58.70%, 41.94%, and 33.33%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

NIPT is highly sensitive and has a low false positive rate in testing clinically significant fetal aneuploidies of general reproductive women. However, this technique cannot substitute for amniocentesis and karyotyping, and detailed genetic counseling is also essential for the high-risk group of NIPT.

Effect of education and attitude on health professionals' knowledge on prenatal screening

INTRODUCTION

Ongoing developments in prenatal anomaly screening necessitate continuous updating of counsellors’ knowledge. We explored the effect of a refresher counselling course on participants’ knowledge of prenatal screening.

METHODS

We investigated the association between knowledge and counsellors’ working experience. Also, the association between knowledge and counsellors’ attitude towards prenatal screening was determined. All counsellors in the North-West region of the Netherlands were invited to attend a refresher counselling course and fill in both a pre-course and a post-course questionnaire. The participants consisted of midwifes, sonographers and gynaecologists. A 55-item questionnaire assessed pre-course (T0) and post-course (T1) knowledge. At T0, counsellors’ attitude towards the prenatal screening program was assessed and its association with knowledge analysed.

RESULTS

Of 387 counsellors, 68 (18%) attended the course and completed both questionnaires. Knowledge increased significantly from 77.7% to 84.6% (p<0.01). Scores were lowest regarding congenital heart diseases. Participants with ultrasound experience scored higher on T0, but improvement was seen in participants with and without ultrasound experience. Participants with a positive attitude towards a free-of-charge first trimester combined test had higher knowledge scores than participants with a negative attitude (62% vs 46%; p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

A refresher course improved counsellors’ knowledge on prenatal screening. Ultrasound experience and a positive attitude towards free screening may be associated with higher knowledge levels. Participating in a mandatory refresher counselling course is useful for the continuous improvement of healthcare practitioners’ knowledge. More research on the effect of knowledge and attitude on the quality of prenatal screening is necessary.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): societal pressure or freedom of choice? A vignette study of Dutch citizens' attitudes

The introduction of the accurate and procedurally easy non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) raises ethical concerns that public attitudes towards prenatal screening may change, leading to societal pressure to participate in aneuploidy screening. This study examined Dutch citizens' attitudes towards a pregnant woman's decision to (1) decline NIPT in the context of two different funding policies and (2) to terminate or continue a pregnancy affected by different disorders. The attitudes of 1096 respondents were assessed with the contrastive vignette method, using two pairs of vignettes about declining NIPT and termination of pregnancy. Most respondents either agreed with a woman's decision to decline NIPT or were neutral about it, stating that this decision should be made independently by women, and does not warrant judgement by others. Interestingly, funding policies did influence respondents' attitudes: significantly more respondents disagreed with declining NIPT when it was fully reimbursed. Respondents had similar attitudes to the vignettes on termination and continuation of pregnancy in case of Down's syndrome. In case of Edwards' or Patau's syndrome, however, significantly more respondents disagreed with continuation, citing the severity of the disorder and the child's best interests. This study demonstrates broad acknowledgement of women's freedom of choice in Dutch society; a finding that may help to rebut existing concerns about societal pressure for pregnant women to participate in prenatal screening. As the reimbursement policy and the scope of NIPT may influence people's attitudes and elicit moral judgements, however, maintaining freedom of choice warrants sustained efforts by health professionals and policy makers.

Counselling for prenatal anomaly screening-A plea for integration of existential life questions

The availability in many countries of new prenatal anomaly screening methods, such as the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), and the potential broadening of testing for genetic conditions, creates an ongoing debate about the accompanying existential dilemmas at both societal level and for individual new parents. In many countries, the main goal of counselling for prenatal anomaly screening is to facilitate the reproductive decision-making process of future parents. Therefore, counsellors share information to enable a woman and her partner to think about the pros and cons of participating in screening, try to clarify possible moral dilemmas, and dwell on existential life questions. In line with the CanMEDS framework, healthcare professionals must combine the role of communicator (providing health education) with that of professional (by recognising and responding to existential life questions while facilitating decision-making). This is not easy but it is essential for providing balanced counselling. At present, counselling tends to be sufficient regarding health education, whereas guidance in decision-making, including attention for existential life questions and philosophy of life, offers room for improvement. In this paper, we suggest slowing down and turning the traditional prenatal counselling encounter upside down by starting as a counselling professional instead of a healthcare information sharing communicator and thus making the story of the woman and her partner, within their societal context, the starting point and the basis of the counselling encounter.

State-wide utilization and performance of traditional and cell-free DNA-based prenatal testing pathways: the Victorian Perinatal Record Linkage (PeRL) study

OBJECTIVES

To perform individual record linkage of women undergoing screening with cell-free DNA (cfDNA), combined first-trimester screening (CFTS), second-trimester serum screening (STSS), and/or prenatal and postnatal cytogenetic testing with the aim to (1) obtain population-based estimates of utilization of prenatal screening and invasive diagnosis, (2) analyze the performance of different prenatal screening strategies, and (3) report the residual risk of any major chromosomal abnormality following a low-risk aneuploidy screening result.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of women residing in the state of Victoria, Australia, who underwent prenatal screening or invasive prenatal diagnosis in 2015. Patient-funded cfDNA referrals from multiple providers were merged with state-wide results for government-subsidized CFTS, STSS and invasive diagnostic procedures. Postnatal cytogenetic results from products of conception and infants up to 12 months of age were obtained to ascertain cases of false-negative screening results and atypical chromosomal abnormalities. Individual record linkage was performed using LinkageWiz^TM .

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 79 140 births and 66 166 (83.6%) women underwent at least one form of aneuploidy screening. Linkage data were complete for 93.5% (n = 61 877) of women who underwent screening, and of these, 73.2% (n = 45 275) had CFTS alone, 20.2% (n = 12 486) had cfDNA alone; 5.3% (n = 3268) had STSS alone, 1.3% (n = 813) had both CFTS and cfDNA, and < 0.1% (n = 35) had both STSS and cfDNA. CFTS had a combined sensitivity for trisomies 21 (T21), 18 (T18) and 13 (T13) of 89.57% (95% CI, 82.64-93.93%) for a screen-positive rate (SPR) of 2.94%. There were 12 false-negative results in the CFTS pathway, comprising 10 cases of T21, one of T18 and one of T13. cfDNA had a combined sensitivity for T21, T18 and T13 of 100% (95% CI, 95.00-100%) for a SPR of 1.21%. When high-risk cfDNA results for any chromosome (including the sex chromosomes) and failed cfDNA tests were treated as screen positives, the SPR for cfDNA increased to 2.42%. The risk of any major chromosomal abnormality (including atypical abnormalities) detected on prenatal or postnatal diagnostic testing after a low-risk screening result was 1 in 1188 for CFTS (n = 37) and 1 in 762 for cfDNA (n = 16) (P = 0.13). The range of chromosomal abnormalities detected after a low-risk cfDNA result included pathogenic copy-number variants (n = 6), triploidy (n = 3), rare autosomal trisomies (n = 3) and monosomy X (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our state-wide record-linkage analysis delineated the utilization and clinical performance of the multitude of prenatal screening pathways available to pregnant women. The sensitivity of cfDNA for T21, T18 and T13 was clearly superior to that of CFTS. While there was no statistically significant difference in the residual risk of any major chromosomal abnormality after a low-risk CFTS or cfDNA result, there were fewer live infants diagnosed with a major chromosomal abnormality in the cfDNA cohort. These data provide valuable population-based evidence to inform practice recommendations and health policies. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A rare Down syndrome foetus with de novo 21q;21q rearrangements causing false negative results in non-invasive prenatal testing: a case report

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been established as a routine prenatal screening to assess the risk of common foetal aneuploidy disorder (trisomy 21, 18, and 13). NIPT has high sensitivity and high specificity, but false positive and false negative results still exist. False negative NIPT results involving Down syndrome are rare, but have a high clinical impact on families and society.

CASE PRESENTATION

We described a case of a foetus that tested "negative" for trisomy 21 (Z-score was 0.664) by NIPT based on the semiconductor sequencing platform (SSP). The foetal fraction of cell-free DNA was 16.9%; this percentage was much larger than the threshold of 4% for obtaining accurate NIPT results. However, postnatally, the newborn was diagnosed with Down syndrome with the 46,XY,der(21;21)(q10;q10),+ 21 karyotype.

CONCLUSIONS

We presented a case of false negative NIPT results, which may occur through biological mechanisms rather than poor quality, technical errors or negligence. It is imperative for clinical geneticists and their patients to understand that NIPT is still a screening test.

A retrospective analysis the clinic data and follow-up of non-invasive prenatal test in detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidy in more than 40,000 cases in a single prenatal diagnosis center

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) in the detection of chromosomal aneuploidy according to the follow-up information from a single prenatal diagnosis center.

METHODS

A total of 40,311 cases were retrospectively reviewed. The screening was performed using a BGI protocol, pre-test and post-test genetic counseling was provided, and the pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The results of NIPT and clinical follow-up data were analyzed together with the pregnancy outcomes, confirmatory testing results, and ultrasound findings.

RESULTS

Of the 40,311cases were includes in the study, successful follow-up was conducted in 468 (1.16%) cases with high risk, 225 (0.56%) cases with rare autosomal trisomy (RAT) and copy number variation (CNV). 39,572 (98.17%) cases with low risk and 623 (1.57%) cases of which were confirmed with adverse pregnancy outcomes. 46 (0.1%) cases with failed tests. Among them, 398 (84.7%) cases with high-risk results chose invasive testing, revealing 198 true positive cases. In cases with RAT and CNV results, 189 cases underwent invasive testing, revealing 5 cases RAT and 4 pathogenic CNVs.

CONCLUSIONS

NIPT appears to be effective in detecting the fetal chromosomal aneuploidies T21, T18 and SCAs, but it exist false positive/negative cases, unconfirmed high-risk cfDNA results, and the high false positive rate in cases with RAT and CNV results implied the limitations of this screening method. Our study showed the importance to associate cfDNA screening results with clinical follow-up data and provided information that may help with result interpretation, genetic counseling and the decision making in clinic.