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Cao J, Pasquali M, Jones PM. Newborn Screening: Current Practice and Our Journey over the Last 60 Years. J Appl Lab Med 2024; 9:820-832. [PMID: 38507619 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inborn errors of metabolism comprise a set of more than 2000 known disorders which can result in significant morbidity and may be rapidly fatal. Diagnosing these disorders at birth and treating immediately, however, may often result in a normal to near-normal life for the affected infant. Thus, newborn screening (NBS) has saved or improved the lives of countless individuals since its inception in the 1960s. CONTENT This review covers NBS, from its early beginnings up to the current day practice. We follow the evolution of NBS, as well as describe the need and how disorders are added to NBS programs, the testing and how its performance is monitored, and the follow-up to the testing. We also briefly touch on NBS outside the United States. SUMMARY Newborn screening in the United States is a major public health success story and it continues to grow and evolve to cover more disorders and utilize new technological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Marzia Pasquali
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Patricia M Jones
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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2
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Tutty E, Archibald AD, Downie L, Gaff C, Lunke S, Vears DF, Stark Z, Best S. Key informant perspectives on implementing genomic newborn screening: a qualitative study guided by the Action, Actor, Context, Target, Time framework. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01650-7. [PMID: 38907005 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01650-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) programmes are highly successful, trusted, public health interventions. Genomic sequencing offers the opportunity to increase the benefits of NBS by screening infants for a greater number and variety of childhood-onset conditions. This study aimed to describe who needs to do what, when, and for whom to deliver genomic newborn screening (gNBS) and capture perceived implementation barriers and enablers. 'Key informants' (individuals involved in the delivery of NBS) were interviewed. The Actor, Action, Context, Time and Target framework guided data collection and analysis. Participants (N = 20) identified new Actions required to deliver gNBS (educating healthcare providers, longitudinal psychosocial support), NBS Actions needing modification (obtaining consent) and NBS Actions that could be adopted for gNBS (prompt referral pathways). Obtaining consent in a prenatal Context was a source of some disagreement. The Time to disclose high chance results was raised as a key consideration in gNBS programme design. Genetic counsellors were identified as key Actors in results management, but workforce limitations may be a barrier. Online decision support tools were an enabler to offering gNBS. The implementation of gNBS will require behaviour changes from HCPs delivering NBS. Findings can inform how to deliver gNBS at population-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Tutty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison D Archibald
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lilian Downie
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Clara Gaff
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- WEHI, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Danya F Vears
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Best
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Ashenden AJ, Chowdhury A, Anastasi LT, Lam K, Rozek T, Ranieri E, Siu CWK, King J, Mas E, Kassahn KS. The Multi-Omic Approach to Newborn Screening: Opportunities and Challenges. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:42. [PMID: 39051398 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening programs have seen significant evolution since their initial implementation more than 60 years ago, with the primary goal of detecting treatable conditions within the earliest possible timeframe to ensure the optimal treatment and outcomes for the newborn. New technologies have driven the expansion of screening programs to cover additional conditions. In the current era, the breadth of screened conditions could be further expanded by integrating omic technologies such as untargeted metabolomics and genomics. Genomic screening could offer opportunities for lifelong care beyond the newborn period. For genomic newborn screening to be effective and ready for routine adoption, it must overcome barriers such as implementation cost, public acceptability, and scalability. Metabolomics approaches, on the other hand, can offer insight into disease phenotypes and could be used to identify known and novel biomarkers of disease. Given recent advances in metabolomic technologies, alongside advances in genomics including whole-genome sequencing, the combination of complementary multi-omic approaches may provide an exciting opportunity to leverage the best of both approaches and overcome their respective limitations. These techniques are described, along with the current outlook on multi-omic-based NBS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Ashenden
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Ayesha Chowdhury
- Department of Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Lucy T Anastasi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Khoa Lam
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Tomas Rozek
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Enzo Ranieri
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Carol Wai-Kwan Siu
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jovanka King
- Immunology Directorate, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Women's and Children's Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Emilie Mas
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Karin S Kassahn
- Department of Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Therrell BL, Padilla CD, Borrajo GJC, Khneisser I, Schielen PCJI, Knight-Madden J, Malherbe HL, Kase M. Current Status of Newborn Bloodspot Screening Worldwide 2024: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Activities (2020-2023). Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:38. [PMID: 38920845 PMCID: PMC11203842 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) began in the early 1960s based on the work of Dr. Robert "Bob" Guthrie in Buffalo, NY, USA. His development of a screening test for phenylketonuria on blood absorbed onto a special filter paper and transported to a remote testing laboratory began it all. Expansion of NBS to large numbers of asymptomatic congenital conditions flourishes in many settings while it has not yet been realized in others. The need for NBS as an efficient and effective public health prevention strategy that contributes to lowered morbidity and mortality wherever it is sustained is well known in the medical field but not necessarily by political policy makers. Acknowledging the value of national NBS reports published in 2007, the authors collaborated to create a worldwide NBS update in 2015. In a continuing attempt to review the progress of NBS globally, and to move towards a more harmonized and equitable screening system, we have updated our 2015 report with information available at the beginning of 2024. Reports on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, missing in 2015, have been included. Tables popular in the previous report have been updated with an eye towards harmonized comparisons. To emphasize areas needing attention globally, we have used regional tables containing similar listings of conditions screened, numbers of screening laboratories, and time at which specimen collection is recommended. Discussions are limited to bloodspot screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford L. Therrell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Carmencita D. Padilla
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines;
| | - Gustavo J. C. Borrajo
- Detección de Errores Congénitos—Fundación Bioquímica Argentina, La Plata 1908, Argentina;
| | - Issam Khneisser
- Jacques LOISELET Genetic and Genomic Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Peter C. J. I. Schielen
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jennifer Knight-Madden
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research—Sickle Cell Unit, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Helen L. Malherbe
- Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa;
- Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, The Station Office, Bryanston, Sandton 2021, South Africa
| | - Marika Kase
- Strategic Initiatives Reproductive Health, Revvity, PL10, 10101 Turku, Finland;
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Kariyawasam DS, Scarfe J, Meagher C, Farrar MA, Bhattacharya K, Carter SM, Newson AJ, Otlowski M, Watson J, Millis N, Norris S. 'Integrating Ethics and Equity with Economics and Effectiveness for newborn screening in the genomic age: A qualitative study protocol of stakeholder perspectives. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299336. [PMID: 38527031 PMCID: PMC10962853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn bloodspot screening is a well-established population health initiative that detects serious, childhood-onset, treatable conditions to improve health outcomes. With genomic technologies advancing rapidly, many countries are actively discussing the introduction of genomic assays into newborn screening programs. While adding genomic testing to Australia's newborn screening program could improve outcomes for infants and families, it must be considered against potential harms, ethical, legal, equity and social implications, and economic and health system impacts. We must ask not only 'can' we use genomics to screen newborns?' but 'should we'?' and 'how much should health systems invest in genomic newborn screening?'. METHODS This study will use qualitative methods to explore understanding, priorities, concerns and expectations of genomic newborn screening among parents/carers, health professionals/scientists, and health policy makers across Australia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews will be held with 30-40 parents/carers recruited via hospital and community settings, 15-20 health professionals/scientists, and 10-15 health policy makers. Data will be analysed using inductive content analysis. The Sydney Children's Hospital Network Human Research Ethics Committee approved this study protocol [2023/ETH02371]. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research will guide study planning, conduct and reporting. DISCUSSION Few studies have engaged a diverse range of stakeholders to explore the implications of genomics in newborn screening in a culturally and genetically diverse population, nor in a health system underpinned by universal health care. As the first study within a multi-part research program, findings will be used to generate new knowledge on the risks and benefits and importance of ethical, legal, social and equity implications of genomic newborn screening from the perspective of key stakeholders. As such it will be the foundation on which child and family centered criteria can be developed to inform health technology assessments and drive efficient and effective policy decision-making on the implementation of genomics in newborn screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didu S. Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Scarfe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy & Economics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christian Meagher
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle A. Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kaustav Bhattacharya
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Genetic Metabolic Disorders Service, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Randwick and Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Genomics, Sydney University, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stacy M. Carter
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, School of Health and Society, The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ainsley J. Newson
- Sydney Health Ethics, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret Otlowski
- Centre for Law and Genetics, Faculty of Law, College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jo Watson
- HTA Consumer Consultative Committee, Department of Health & Aged Care, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Norris
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy & Economics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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6
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Yu B, Yang Y, Zhou L, Wang Q. Evaluating a Novel Newborn Screening Methodology: Combined Genetic and Biochemical Screenings. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:102959. [PMID: 38295467 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.102959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Analysis of four newborn screening modes using newborn genomic sequencing (nGS) and traditional biochemical screening (TBS). METHODS Prospective clinical study with a total of 1,012 newborn samples from retrospective TBS. Three independent groups performed the study under strict double-blind conditions according to the screening modes: independent biochemical (IBS), independent NeoSeq (INS), sequential (SS), and combined (CS) screening. Using targeted sequencing, the NeoSeq panel included 154 pathogenic genes covering 86 diseases. RESULTS Of the 1,012 newborns, 120 were diagnosed were diagnosed with genetic diseases Among them, 52 cases were within the scope of TBS and 68 additional cases were identified through nGS. The number of cases detected per screening mode was 50, 113, 56, and 119 for IBS, INS, SS, and CS, respectively. CS was the most satisfactory screening mode, with the detection rate of 99.17%, the specificity and positive predictive value of 100%, and the negative predictive value of 99.89%. In addition, of the 68 cases identified by nGS (96 variants in 31 pathogenic genes), only four participants (5.9%) had clinical manifestations consistent with the disease. The experimental reporting cycles of CS and INS were the shortest. CONCLUSIONS CS was the most satisfactory method for newborn screening, which combined nGS with TBS to improve early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lingna Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiuwei Wang
- Department of Neonatology, Changzhou Children's Hospital of Nantong Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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7
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Lynch F, Best S, Gaff C, Downie L, Archibald AD, Gyngell C, Goranitis I, Peters R, Savulescu J, Lunke S, Stark Z, Vears DF. Australian Public Perspectives on Genomic Newborn Screening: Risks, Benefits, and Preferences for Implementation. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:6. [PMID: 38248635 PMCID: PMC10801595 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent dramatic reductions in the timeframe in which genomic sequencing can deliver results means its application in time-sensitive screening programs such as newborn screening (NBS) is becoming a reality. As genomic NBS (gNBS) programs are developed around the world, there is an increasing need to address the ethical and social issues that such initiatives raise. This study therefore aimed to explore the Australian public's perspectives and values regarding key gNBS characteristics and preferences for service delivery. We recruited English-speaking members of the Australian public over 18 years of age via social media; 75 people aged 23-72 participated in 1 of 15 focus groups. Participants were generally supportive of introducing genomic sequencing into newborn screening, with several stating that the adoption of such revolutionary and beneficial technology was a moral obligation. Participants consistently highlighted receiving an early diagnosis as the leading benefit, which was frequently linked to the potential for early treatment and intervention, or access to other forms of assistance, such as peer support. Informing parents about the test during pregnancy was considered important. This study provides insights into the Australian public's views and preferences to inform the delivery of a gNBS program in the Australian context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Lynch
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (F.L.); (C.G.); (J.S.)
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Stephanie Best
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (I.G.); (Z.S.)
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Clara Gaff
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.G.); (L.D.); (A.D.A.)
- Melbourne Genomics, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lilian Downie
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.G.); (L.D.); (A.D.A.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Alison D. Archibald
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.G.); (L.D.); (A.D.A.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Christopher Gyngell
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (F.L.); (C.G.); (J.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ilias Goranitis
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (I.G.); (Z.S.)
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Riccarda Peters
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (F.L.); (C.G.); (J.S.)
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; (I.G.); (Z.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Danya F. Vears
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (F.L.); (C.G.); (J.S.)
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Casauria S, Lewis S, Lynch F, Saffery R. Australian parental perceptions of genomic newborn screening for non-communicable diseases. Front Genet 2023; 14:1209762. [PMID: 37434950 PMCID: PMC10330815 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1209762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) programs have improved neonatal healthcare since the 1960s. Genomic sequencing now offers potential to generate polygenic risk score (PRS) that could be incorporated into NBS programs, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention of future noncommunicable disease (NCD). However, Australian parents' knowledge and attitudes regarding PRS for NBS is currently unknown. Methods: Parents with at least one Australian-born child under 18 years were invited via social media platforms to complete an online questionnaire aimed at examining parents' knowledge of NCDs, PRS, and precision medicine, their opinions on receiving PRS for their child, and considerations of early-intervention strategies to prevent the onset of disease. Results: Of 126 participants, 90.5% had heard the term "non-communicable disease or chronic condition," but only 31.8% and 34.4% were aware of the terms "polygenic risk score" and "precision medicine" respectively. A large proportion of participants said they would consider screening their newborn to receive a PRS for allergies (77.9%), asthma (81.0%), cancer (64.8%), cardiovascular disease (65.7%), mental illness (56.7%), obesity (49.5%), and type 2 diabetes (66.7%). Additionally, participants would primarily consider diet and exercise as interventions for specific NCDs. Discussion: The results from this study will inform future policy for genomic NBS, including expected rate of uptake and interventions that parents would consider employing to prevent the onset of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Casauria
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sharon Lewis
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona Lynch
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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9
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McNeill A. The complex genomics of single gene disorders. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:609-610. [PMID: 37291406 PMCID: PMC10250412 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01386-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alisdair McNeill
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.
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