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Xu Y, Cheng C, Zheng F, Saiyin H, Zhang P, Zeng W, Liu X, Liu G. An audit of autopsy-confirmed diagnostic errors in perinatal deaths: What are the most common major missed diagnoses. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19984. [PMID: 37809936 PMCID: PMC10559671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal autopsies are essential to establish the cause of stillbirth or neonatal death and improve clinical practice. Limited studies have provided detailed major missed diagnoses of perinatal deaths in current clinical practice. In this retrospective audit of 177 perinatal autopsies including 99 stillbirths and 78 neonatal deaths with complete pathologic evaluation, 66 cases (21 Class I and 45 Class II diagnostic errors) were revealed as major discrepancies (37.3%), with complete agreements in 80 cases (45.2%). The difference in major discrepancies between stillbirth and neonatal death groups was significant (P < 0.001), with neonatal deaths being more prone to Class I errors. Various respiratory diseases (25/66, 37.9%) and congenital malformations (16/66, 24.2%) accounted for the majority of missed diagnoses (41/66, 62.1%). More importantly, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) was the most common type I missed diagnosis (7/8, 87.5%), markedly higher than the average 11.9% of all Class I errors. Our findings suggest that there are high disparities between clinical diagnoses and autopsy findings in perinatal deaths, and that various respiratory diseases are mostly inclined to cause major diagnostic errors. We first demonstrated that NRDS is the most common type I missed diagnosis in perinatal deaths, which clinicians should pay special attention to in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinwen Xu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenchen Cheng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengyun Zheng
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hexige Saiyin
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingzhao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjiao Zeng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuping Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyuan Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Frequency of diagnostic errors in the neonatal intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study. J Perinatol 2022; 42:1312-1318. [PMID: 35246625 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01359-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency and etiology of diagnostic errors during the first 7 days of admission for inborn neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 600 consecutive inborn admissions. A physician used the "Safer Dx NICU Instrument" to review the electronic health record for the first 7 days of admission, and categorized cases as "yes," "unclear," or "no" for diagnostic error. A secondary reviewer evaluated all "yes" charts plus a random sample of charts in the other categories. Subsequently, all secondary reviewers reviewed records with discordance between primary and secondary review to arrive at consensus. RESULTS We identified 37 diagnostic errors (6.2% of study patients) with "substantial agreement" between reviewers (κ = 0.66). The most common diagnostic process breakdown was missed maternal history (51%). CONCLUSION The frequency of diagnostic error in inborn NICU patients during the first 7 days of admission is 6.2%.
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Shelmerdine SC, Arthurs OJ. Post-mortem perinatal imaging: what is the evidence? Br J Radiol 2022:20211078. [PMID: 35451852 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20211078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem imaging for the investigation of perinatal deaths is an acceptable tool amongst parents and religious groups, enabling a less invasive autopsy examination. Nevertheless, availability is scarce nationwide, and there is some debate amongst radiologists regarding the best practice and optimal protocols for performing such studies. Much of the published literature to date focusses on single centre experiences or interesting case reports. Diagnostic accuracy studies are available for a variety of individual imaging modalities (e.g. post-mortem CT, MRI, ultrasound and micro-CT), however, assimilating this information is important when attempting to start a local service.In this article, we present a comprehensive review summarising the latest research, recently published international guidelines, and describe which imaging modalities are best suited for specific indications. When the antenatal clinical findings are not supported by the post-mortem imaging, we also suggest how and when an invasive autopsy may be considered. In general, a collaborative working relationship within a multidisciplinary team (consisting of radiologists, radiographers, the local pathology department, mortuary staff, foetal medicine specialists, obstetricians and bereavement midwives) is vital for a successful service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, Bloomsbury, London, UK.,Department of Radiology, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, 30 Guilford Street, Bloomsbury, London, UK
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Abstract
Epidemiologic studies of diagnostic error in the intensive care unit (ICU) consist mostly of descriptive autopsy series. In these studies, rates of diagnostic errors are approximately 5% to 10%. Recently validated methods for retrospectively measuring error have expanded our understanding of the scope of the problem. These alternative measurement strategies have yielded similar estimates for the frequency of diagnostic error in the ICU. Although there is a fair understanding of the frequency of errors, further research is needed to better define the risk factors for diagnostic error in the ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Bergl
- Department of Critical Care, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, 1900 South Avenue, Mail Stop LM3-001, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822, USA; Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
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5
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Stocker M, Szavay P, Wernz B, Neuhaus TJ, Lehnick D, Zundel S. What are the participants' perspective and the system-based impact of a standardized, inter-professional morbidity/mortality-conferences in a children's hospital? Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:48. [PMID: 34423169 DOI: 10.21037/tgh-20-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Morbidity and mortality conferences (MMC) are well established but little data exists on inter-professional aspects, system-based outcomes and characteristics in pediatric departments. Our study aim was to analyze the system-based impact and to assess participant's perspectives on standardized, inter-professional MMCs in a children's hospital. Methods In a prospective observational analysis the inter-professional MMCs held at a tertiary teaching children's hospital in Switzerland were analyzed for (I) resulting clinical consequences and (II) participants perception on format, usefulness and no-blame atmosphere. Results Eighteen MMC, discussing 29 cases were analyzed. Twenty-seven clinical errors/problems were identified and 17 clinical recommendations were developed: ten new or changed clinical guidelines, two new therapeutic alternatives, three new teaching activities, and two guidelines on specific diagnostics. Altogether, the 466 participants evaluated the conferences favorably. Little differences were seen in the evaluations of physicians of different disciplines or seniority but non-physicians scored all questions lower than physicians. Overall, three quarters of the participants felt that there was a no-blame culture during the conferences but results varied depending on the cases discussed. Conclusions An inter-professional MMC can have relevant impact on clinical practice and affect system-based changes. Inter-professional conferences are profitable for all participants but evaluated differently according to profession. A standardized format and the presence of a moderator are helpful, but not a guarantee for a no-blame culture. Highly emotional cases are a risk factor to relapse to "blame and shame". A time gap between the event and the MMC may have a beneficial effect. Keywords Inter-professional communication; inter-professional health care; learning from failure; morbidity and mortality conference (MMC); patient safety; psychological safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stocker
- Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Szavay
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Wernz
- Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas J Neuhaus
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Lehnick
- Biostatistics and Methodology, University of Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Zundel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Luzern, Switzerland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize the literature on prevalence, impact, and contributing factors related to diagnostic error in the PICU. DATA SOURCES Search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2019. STUDY SELECTION Studies on diagnostic error and the diagnostic process in pediatric critical care were included. Non-English studies with no translation, case reports/series, studies providing no information on diagnostic error, studies focused on non-PICU populations, and studies focused on a single condition/disease or a single diagnostic test/tool were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION Data on research design, objectives, study sample, and results pertaining to the prevalence, impact, and factors associated with diagnostic error were abstracted from each study. DATA SYNTHESIS Using independent tiered review, 396 abstracts were screened, and 17 studies (14 full-text, 3 abstracts) were ultimately included. Fifteen of 17 studies (88%) had an observational research design. Autopsy studies (autopsy rates were 20-47%) showed a 10-23% rate of missed major diagnoses; 5-16% of autopsy-discovered diagnostic errors had a potential adverse impact on survival and would have changed management. Retrospective record reviews reported varying rates of diagnostic error from 8% in a general PICU population to 12% among unexpected critical admissions and 21-25% of patients discussed at PICU morbidity and mortality conferences. Cardiovascular, infectious, congenital, and neurologic conditions were most commonly misdiagnosed. Systems factors (40-67%), cognitive factors (20-3%), and both systems and cognitive factors (40%) were associated with diagnostic error. Limited information was available on the impact of misdiagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of diagnostic errors in the PICU is limited. Future work to understand diagnostic errors should involve a balanced focus between studying the diagnosis of individual diseases and uncovering common system- and process-related determinants of diagnostic error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. Cifra
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jason W. Custer
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - James C. Fackler
- Division of Pediatric Anesthesia and Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Shelmerdine SC, Hutchinson JC, Lewis C, Simcock IC, Sekar T, Sebire NJ, Arthurs OJ. A pragmatic evidence-based approach to post-mortem perinatal imaging. Insights Imaging 2021; 12:101. [PMID: 34264420 PMCID: PMC8282801 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-021-01042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem imaging has a high acceptance rate amongst parents and healthcare professionals as a non-invasive method for investigating perinatal deaths. Previously viewed as a 'niche' subspecialty, it is becoming increasingly requested, with general radiologists now more frequently asked to oversee and advise on appropriate imaging protocols. Much of the current literature to date has focussed on diagnostic accuracy and clinical experiences of individual centres and their imaging techniques (e.g. post-mortem CT, MRI, ultrasound and micro-CT), and pragmatic, evidence-based guidance for how to approach such referrals in real-world practice is lacking. In this review, we summarise the latest research and provide an approach and flowchart to aid decision-making for perinatal post-mortem imaging. We highlight key aspects of the maternal and antenatal history that radiologists should consider when protocolling studies (e.g. antenatal imaging findings and history), and emphasise important factors that could impact the diagnostic quality of post-mortem imaging examinations (e.g. post-mortem weight and time interval). Considerations regarding when ancillary post-mortem image-guided biopsy tests are beneficial are also addressed, and we provide key references for imaging protocols for a variety of cross-sectional imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Shelmerdine
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK. .,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK. .,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
| | - J Ciaran Hutchinson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Celine Lewis
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ian C Simcock
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Thivya Sekar
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.,UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Great Ormond Street Hospital NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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8
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Rodrigues FS, Oliveira ICD, Cat MNL, Mattos MCL, Silva GA. AGREEMENT BETWEEN CLINICAL AND ANATOMOPATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSES IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 39:e2019263. [PMID: 33729321 PMCID: PMC7962522 DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2021/39/2019263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Although autopsy is deemed the gold standard for diagnosis, its performance has been decreasing while adverse events have been increasing, of which 17% consist in diagnostic errors. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diagnostic errors based on anatomopathological diagnosis in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study on 31 patients who died between 2004 and 2014. Diagnoses were compared in order to assess whether there was agreement between clinical major diagnosis (CMD) and the cause of death as described in the autopsy record (CDAR), which were classified according to the Goldman Criteria. Results: Of 3,117 patients, 263 died (8.4%). Autopsy was conducted in 38 cases (14.4%), and 31 were included in the study. There was a 67% decrease in the number of autopsies over the last 10 years. Absolute agreement between the diagnoses (class V) was observed in 18 cases (58.0%), and disagreement (class I), in 11 (35.4%). There was greater difficulty in diagnosing acute diseases and diseases of rapid fatal evolution such as myocarditis. Seven patients were admitted in critical health conditions and died within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Conclusions: Autopsy not only enables to identify diagnostic errors, but also provides the opportunity to learn from mistakes. The results emphasize the relevance of the autopsy examination for diagnostic elucidation and the creation of an information database concerning the main diagnoses of patients who rapidly progress to death in PICU, increasing the index of clinical suspicion of the team working at this unit.
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9
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Scholz T, Blohm ME, Kortüm F, Bierhals T, Lessel D, van der Ven AT, Lisfeld J, Herget T, Kloth K, Singer D, Perez A, Obi N, Johannsen J, Denecke J, Santer R, Kubisch C, Deindl P, Hempel M. Whole-Exome Sequencing in Critically Ill Neonates and Infants: Diagnostic Yield and Predictability of Monogenic Diagnosis. Neonatology 2021; 118:454-461. [PMID: 34237744 DOI: 10.1159/000516890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monogenic diseases play an important role in critically ill neonates and infants treated in the intensive care unit. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of whole-exome sequencing (WES) for monogenic diseases and identify phenotypes more likely associated with a genetic etiology. METHODS From March 2017 to 2020, a comprehensive diagnostic workup including WES in a single academic center was performed in 61 unrelated, critically ill neonates and infants with an unknown underlying disease within the first year of life. We conducted 59 trio-WES, 1 duo-WES, and 1 single-WES analyses. Symptoms were classified according to the Human Phenotype Ontology. RESULTS The overall molecular genetic diagnostic rate within our cohort was 46% (28/61) and 50% (15/30) in the subgroup of preterm neonates. Identifying the genetic cause of disease facilitates individualized management in the majority of patients. A positive or negative predictive power of specific clinical features for a genetic diagnosis could not be observed. CONCLUSION WES is a powerful noninvasive diagnostic tool in critically ill neonates and infants with a high diagnostic rate. We recommend initiating WES as early as possible due to the impact on management and family counseling. Recommendations regarding the clinical utility of WES in critically ill neonates and infants should not be based on the phenotype alone. Here, we present a clinical workflow for the application of WES for critically ill neonates and infants in an interdisciplinary setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasja Scholz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Ernst Blohm
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fanny Kortüm
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Bierhals
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Davor Lessel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amelie T van der Ven
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jasmin Lisfeld
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Theresia Herget
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katja Kloth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Singer
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Perez
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadia Obi
- Department of Medical Biometrics/Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessika Johannsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Denecke
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - René Santer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Kubisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Deindl
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maja Hempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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O’Rahelly M, McDermott M, Healy M. Autopsy and pre-mortem diagnostic discrepancy review in an Irish tertiary PICU. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:3519-3524. [PMID: 34137920 PMCID: PMC8210522 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Our study had two objectives: (1) to review ante- and post-mortem diagnoses and assign a Goldman error classification and (2) establish autopsy rates within our centre. We performed a retrospective analysis of autopsies performed on patients who died in our paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between November 13, 2012, and October 31, 2018. Medical and autopsy data of all patients was reviewed, and Goldman classification of discrepancy between ante- and post-mortem diagnoses was assigned. Our centre is a tertiary PICU, and we included all patients that died in PICU within the designated timeframe. Our results were as follows: 396 deaths occurred in PICU from 8329 (4.75%) admissions. Ninety-nine (25%) had an autopsy, 75 required by the coroner. All were included in the study. Fifty-three were male and 46 females. Fifty-three patients were transferred from external hospitals, 46 from our centre. Forty-one were neonates, 32 were < 1 year of age, and 26 were > 1 year of age. The median length of stay was 3 days. Eighteen were post-cardiac surgery, and three post-cardiac catheter procedure. Major diagnostic errors (class I/II) were identified in 14 (14.1%), 2 (2%) class I, and 12 (12.1%) were class II errors. Class III and IV errors occurred in 28 (28.2%) patients. Complete concordance (class V) occurred in 57 (57.5%) cases.Conclusion: We conclude that the autopsy rate and the diagnostic discrepancy rate within our PICU are comparable to those previously reported. Our findings show the continuing value of autopsy in determining the cause of death and providing greater diagnostic clarity. Given their value, post-mortem examinations, where indicated, should be considered part of a physician's duty of care to families and future patients. What is Known: • Major diagnostic discrepancies (class I/II) in PICU have been reported at 20.2%. (10) • PICU autopsy rates have varied from 36 to 67% since 1994 with most recently reported rates in 2018 being 36%. (6-9) What is New: • We report an Irish PICU major diagnostic discrepancy (class I/II) rates of 14.1% contributing further to reported discrepancy rates in PICU literature to date. • This study contributes the Irish PICU post-mortem rate in a tertiary centre which was 25% over an almost 6-year period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark O’Rahelly
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael McDermott
- Department of Pathology, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martina Healy
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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11
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Shafer G, Singh H, Suresh G. Diagnostic errors in the neonatal intensive care unit: State of the science and new directions. Semin Perinatol 2019; 43:151175. [PMID: 31488330 DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic errors remain understudied in neonatology. The limited available evidence, however, suggests that diagnostic errors in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) result in significant and long-term consequences. In this narrative review, we discuss how the concept of diagnostic errors framed as missed opportunities can be applied to the non-linear nature of diagnosis in a critical care environment such as the NICU. We then explore how the etiology of an error in diagnosis can be related to both individual cognitive factors as well as organizational and systemic factors - all of which often contribute to the error. This multifactorial causation has limited the development of methodology to measure diagnostic errors as well as strategies to mitigate and prevent their adverse effects. We recommend research focused on the frequency and etiology of diagnostic error in the NICU as well as potential mitigation strategies to advance this important field in neonatal intensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Shafer
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fanning Street, Suite W6104, Houston, TX 77020, United States.
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Gautham Suresh
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States
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12
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Yang L, Liu X, Li Z, Zhang P, Wu B, Wang H, Hu L, Cheng G, Wang L, Zhou W. Genetic aetiology of early infant deaths in a neonatal intensive care unit. J Med Genet 2019; 57:169-177. [PMID: 31501239 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital anomalies are the leading cause of early neonatal death in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), but the genetic causes are unclear. This study aims to investigate the genetic causes of infant deaths in a NICU in China. METHODS Newborns who died in the hospital or died within 1 week of discharge were enrolled from Children's Hospital of Fudan University between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Whole exome sequencing was performed in all patients after death. RESULTS There were 223 deceased newborns with a median age at death of 13 days. In total, 44 (19.7%) infants were identified with a genetic finding, including 40 with single nucleotide variants (SNVs), two with CNVs and two with both SNVs and CNVs. Thirteen (31%, 13/42) patients with SNVs had medically actionable disorders based on genetic diagnosis, which included 10 genes. Multiple congenital malformation was identified as the leading genetic cause of death in NICUs with 13 newborns identified with variants in genes related to multiple congenital malformations. For newborns who died on the first day, the most common genetic cause of death was major heart defects, while metabolic disorders and respiratory failure were more common for newborns who died in the first 2 weeks. CONCLUSION Our study shows genetic findings among early infant deaths in NICUs and provides critical genetic information for precise genetic counselling for the families. Effective therapies enable the improvement of more than a quarter of newborns with molecular diagnoses if diagnosed in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Clinical Genetic Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Clinical Genetic Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyuan Hu
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqiang Cheng
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Laishuan Wang
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Clinical Genetic Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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de Sévaux JLH, Nikkels PGJ, Lequin MH, Groenendaal F. The Value of Autopsy in Neonates in the 21st Century. Neonatology 2019; 115:89-93. [PMID: 30352441 PMCID: PMC6425852 DOI: 10.1159/000493003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autopsy rates in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients who died are declining worldwide. Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is suggested as adjunct to or substitute for autopsy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper was to determine the additional diagnostic value of autopsy in NICU patients and whether autopsy findings were potentially detectable using postmortem MRI. METHODS From 2008 to 2015, 298 infants died during admission to our NICU. Permission for unrestricted, nonforensic autopsy was obtained in 100 (33.6%) of these 298 infants. Retrospectively, autopsy reports and medical records of NICU patients were compared. Additional autopsy findings were graded according to the Goldman system, grading the clinical relevance of additional findings. In addition, the potential detectability of these additional findings on postmortem MRI was assessed. RESULTS Additional findings obtained by autopsy were found in 48% of the cases, divided into major (Goldman I/II, 24%) and minor (Goldman III/IV, 24%) additional findings. Major additional findings were significantly more often found in patients with a lower gestational age, and minor additional findings in patients with a higher postnatal age at death. Of all patients with additional findings determined by autopsy, 56.3% would most likely not have been detected using postmortem MRI. CONCLUSIONS Our results emphasize the still very important role of autopsy in the NICU setting and show that conventional autopsy could probably not be completely substituted by postmortem MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joline L H de Sévaux
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter G J Nikkels
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten H Lequin
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Floris Groenendaal
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The
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Shafer GJ, Suresh G. Diagnostic Errors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Case Series. AJP Rep 2018; 8:e379-e383. [PMID: 30591844 PMCID: PMC6306275 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1676619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic errors remain understudied in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The few available studies are primarily autopsy-based, and do not evaluate diagnostic errors that did not result in the patient's death. This case series presents 10 examples of nonlethal diagnostic errors in the NICU-classified according to the component of the diagnostic process which led to the error. These cases demonstrate the presence of diagnostic error in the NICU and highlight the need for further research on this important topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant J Shafer
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Gautham Suresh
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Neonatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The acceptability of traditional postmortem examination to bereaved families, coupled with a misguided professional view about their limited utility, has led to decrease in this ultimate investigation. Research recurrently demonstrates that postmortem examination provides clinically relevant information despite ever-improving diagnostic techniques. This review examines postmortem examination for children who die in PICU-whether consented or nonconsented (legally mandated). It explores how such investigations might provide useful information and suggests that PICU and pathology teams work together to provide information for bereaved families to either enable them to consent to postmortem interventions or understand necessary forensic processes. Newer technologies such as postmortem imaging and laparoscope-assisted/ultrasound-guided tissue sampling are reviewed, with the hope that greater acceptability to families may lead to a welcome resurgence in postmortem information for clinicians, tempered by realization that widespread acceptance of their equivalence to standard techniques by most forensic services is awaited. DATA SOURCES Literature review. STUDY SELECTION Journal articles describing practices in pediatric and adult postmortem examination. DATA EXTRACTION Not available. DATA SYNTHESIS Not available. CONCLUSIONS The PICU team have a duty to help bereaved parents understand what postmortem investigations are available, or might be mandated, after the death of their child. A thoughtful, unhurried, and compassionate discussion should be arranged with expert pathology teams and any specialists who have cared for the child to explain how investigations can provide information about what is involved-including availability and suitability of newer techniques. This should include information about when a child's body, organs, or tissues will be available for the funeral, necessary legal procedures and how and when results will be explained to them.
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16
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Meng L, Pammi M, Saronwala A, Magoulas P, Ghazi AR, Vetrini F, Zhang J, He W, Dharmadhikari AV, Qu C, Ward P, Braxton A, Narayanan S, Ge X, Tokita MJ, Santiago-Sim T, Dai H, Chiang T, Smith H, Azamian MS, Robak L, Bostwick BL, Schaaf CP, Potocki L, Scaglia F, Bacino CA, Hanchard NA, Wangler MF, Scott D, Brown C, Hu J, Belmont JW, Burrage LC, Graham BH, Sutton VR, Craigen WJ, Plon SE, Lupski JR, Beaudet AL, Gibbs RA, Muzny DM, Miller MJ, Wang X, Leduc MS, Xiao R, Liu P, Shaw C, Walkiewicz M, Bi W, Xia F, Lee B, Eng C, Yang Y, Lalani SR. Use of Exome Sequencing for Infants in Intensive Care Units: Ascertainment of Severe Single-Gene Disorders and Effect on Medical Management. JAMA Pediatr 2017; 171:e173438. [PMID: 28973083 PMCID: PMC6359927 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.3438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance While congenital malformations and genetic diseases are a leading cause of early infant death, to our knowledge, the contribution of single-gene disorders in this group is undetermined. Objective To determine the diagnostic yield and use of clinical exome sequencing in critically ill infants. Design, Setting, and Participants Clinical exome sequencing was performed for 278 unrelated infants within the first 100 days of life who were admitted to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, during a 5-year period between December 2011 and January 2017. Exome sequencing types included proband exome, trio exome, and critical trio exome, a rapid genomic assay for seriously ill infants. Main Outcomes and Measures Indications for testing, diagnostic yield of clinical exome sequencing, turnaround time, molecular findings, patient age at diagnosis, and effect on medical management among a group of critically ill infants who were suspected to have genetic disorders. Results The mean (SEM) age for infants participating in the study was 28.5 (1.7) days; of these, the mean (SEM) age was 29.0 (2.2) days for infants undergoing proband exome sequencing, 31.5 (3.9) days for trio exome, and 22.7 (3.9) days for critical trio exome. Clinical indications for exome sequencing included a range of medical concerns. Overall, a molecular diagnosis was achieved in 102 infants (36.7%) by clinical exome sequencing, with relatively low yield for cardiovascular abnormalities. The diagnosis affected medical management for 53 infants (52.0%) and had a substantial effect on informed redirection of care, initiation of new subspecialist care, medication/dietary modifications, and furthering life-saving procedures in select patients. Critical trio exome sequencing revealed a molecular diagnosis in 32 of 63 infants (50.8%) at a mean (SEM) of 33.1 (5.6) days of life with a mean (SEM) turnaround time of 13.0 (0.4) days. Clinical care was altered by the diagnosis in 23 of 32 patients (71.9%). The diagnostic yield, patient age at diagnosis, and medical effect in the group that underwent critical trio exome sequencing were significantly different compared with the group who underwent regular exome testing. For deceased infants (n = 81), genetic disorders were molecularly diagnosed in 39 (48.1%) by exome sequencing, with implications for recurrence risk counseling. Conclusions and Relevance Exome sequencing is a powerful tool for the diagnostic evaluation of critically ill infants with suspected monogenic disorders in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units and its use has a notable effect on clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Meng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Mohan Pammi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Anirudh Saronwala
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Pilar Magoulas
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew Ray Ghazi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Jing Zhang
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Weimin He
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | - Patricia Ward
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Alicia Braxton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Swetha Narayanan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaoyan Ge
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mari J. Tokita
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Teresa Santiago-Sim
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hongzheng Dai
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Theodore Chiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetics Division, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Hadley Smith
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mahshid S. Azamian
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Laurie Robak
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Bret L. Bostwick
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Christian P. Schaaf
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lorraine Potocki
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Fernando Scaglia
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Carlos A. Bacino
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Neil A. Hanchard
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael F. Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Daryl Scott
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas
| | - Chester Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetics Division, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
| | - Jianhong Hu
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas
| | - John W. Belmont
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lindsay C. Burrage
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Brett H. Graham
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Vernon Reid Sutton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - William J. Craigen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sharon E. Plon
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - James R. Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Arthur L. Beaudet
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard A. Gibbs
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas
| | - Donna M. Muzny
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas
| | - Marcus J. Miller
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Magalie S. Leduc
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Chad Shaw
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Magdalena Walkiewicz
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Weimin Bi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Brendan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Christine Eng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Yaping Yang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
| | - Seema R. Lalani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Baylor Genetics Laboratory, Houston, Texas
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Rodewald AK, Bode P, Cathomas G, Moch H. Klinische Obduktionen in der Schweiz. DER PATHOLOGE 2017; 38:416-421. [DOI: 10.1007/s00292-017-0323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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