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Abstract
Background While developing reflection skills is considered important by educators, the assessment of these skills is often associated with unintended negative consequences. In the context of a mandatory longitudinal course that aims to promote the development of reflection on professional identity, we assessed students' commitment to reflection. This study explores students' perception of this assessment by their mentor. Methods We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with twenty-one 1st and six 2nd year medical students. Thematic analysis was informed by Braun and Clarke's six-step approach. Results We identified four main themes: 1- assessment as a motivator, 2- consequences on authenticity, 3- perception of inherent subjectivity, and 4 - relationship with the mentor. Conclusions In the context of assessing reflection skills in future physicians, we observed that students -when assessed on the process of reflection- experienced high motivation but were ambivalent on the question of authenticity. The subjectivity of the assessment as well as the relationship with their mentor also raises questions. Nevertheless, this assessment approach for reflective skills appears to be promising in terms of limiting the negative consequences of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanie Poirier
- Department of psychology, Faculty of letters and human sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Kathleen Ouellet
- Centre de pédagogie et des sciences de la santé, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Valérie Désilets
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Ann Graillon
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Marianne Xhignesse
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Christina St-Onge
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- Research chair in medical education, Paul Grand’Maison de la Société des médecins de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Chakroun M, Dion VR, Ouellet K, Graillon A, Désilets V, Xhignesse M, St-Onge C. Quality of Narratives in Assessment: Piloting a List of Evidence-Based Quality Indicators. Perspect Med Educ 2023; 12:XX. [PMID: 37252269 PMCID: PMC10215990 DOI: 10.5334/pme.925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Background & Need for Innovation Appraising the quality of narratives used in assessment is challenging for educators and administrators. Although some quality indicators for writing narratives exist in the literature, they remain context specific and not always sufficiently operational to be easily used. Creating a tool that gathers applicable quality indicators and ensuring its standardized use would equip assessors to appraise the quality of narratives. Steps taken for Development and Implementation of innovation We used DeVellis' framework to develop a checklist of evidence-informed indicators for quality narratives. Two team members independently piloted the checklist using four series of narratives coming from three different sources. After each series, team members documented their agreement and achieved a consensus. We calculated frequencies of occurrence for each quality indicator as well as the interrater agreement to assess the standardized application of the checklist. Outcomes of Innovation We identified seven quality indicators and applied them on narratives. Frequencies of quality indicators ranged from 0% to 100%. Interrater agreement ranged from 88.7% to 100% for the four series. Critical Reflection Although we were able to achieve a standardized application of a list of quality indicators for narratives used in health sciences education, it does not exclude the fact that users would need training to be able to write good quality narratives. We also noted that some quality indicators were less frequent than others and we suggested a few reflections on this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molk Chakroun
- Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Universitéde Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, CA
| | - Vincent R. Dion
- Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Universitéde Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, CA
| | - Kathleen Ouellet
- Paul Grand’Maison de la Sociétédes médecins de l’Universitéde Sherbrooke research chair in medical education, Sherbrooke, Québec, CA
| | - Ann Graillon
- Centre de pédagogie et des sciences de la santé, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Universitéde Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, CA
| | - Valérie Désilets
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Universitéde Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, CA
| | - Marianne Xhignesse
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Universitéde Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, CA
| | - Christina St-Onge
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of medicine and health sciences, Universitéde Sherbrooke, Paul Grand’Maison de la Sociétédes médecins de l’Universitéde Sherbrooke research chair in medical education, Sherbrooke, Québec, CA
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Chakroun M, Dion VR, Ouellet K, Graillon A, Désilets V, Xhignesse M, St-Onge C. Narrative Assessments in Higher Education: A Scoping Review to Identify Evidence-Based Quality Indicators. Acad Med 2022; 97:1699-1706. [PMID: 35612917 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Narrative comments are increasingly used in assessment to document trainees' performance and to make important decisions about academic progress. However, little is known about how to document the quality of narrative comments, since traditional psychometric analysis cannot be applied. The authors aimed to generate a list of quality indicators for narrative comments, to identify recommendations for writing high-quality narrative comments, and to document factors that influence the quality of narrative comments used in assessments in higher education. METHOD The authors conducted a scoping review according to Arksey & O'Malley's framework. The search strategy yielded 690 articles from 6 databases. Team members screened abstracts for inclusion and exclusion, then extracted numerical and qualitative data based on predetermined categories. Numerical data were used for descriptive analysis. The authors completed the thematic analysis of qualitative data with iterative discussions until they achieved consensus for the interpretation of the results. RESULTS After the full-text review of 213 selected articles, 47 were included. Through the thematic analysis, the authors identified 7 quality indicators, 12 recommendations for writing quality narratives, and 3 factors that influence the quality of narrative comments used in assessment. The 7 quality indicators are (1) describes performance with a focus on particular elements (attitudes, knowledge, skills); (2) provides a balanced message between positive elements and elements needing improvement; (3) provides recommendations to learners on how to improve their performance; (4) compares the observed performance with an expected standard of performance; (5) provides justification for the mark/score given; (6) uses language that is clear and easily understood; and (7) uses a nonjudgmental style. CONCLUSIONS Assessors can use these quality indicators and recommendations to write high-quality narrative comments, thus reinforcing the appropriate documentation of trainees' performance, facilitating solid decision making about trainees' progression, and enhancing the impact of narrative feedback for both learners and programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molk Chakroun
- M. Chakroun is a PhD student, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0518-1782
| | - Vincent R Dion
- V.R. Dion was research assistant, Paul Grand'Maison de la Société des médecins de l'Université de Sherbrooke Research Chair in Medical Education, at the time of this work, and is now a first-year medical student, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Kathleen Ouellet
- K. Ouellet is research coordinator, Centre de pédagogie et des sciences de la santé, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9829-151X
| | - Ann Graillon
- A. Graillon is associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3677-7113
| | - Valérie Désilets
- V. Désilets is associate professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7399-119X
| | - Marianne Xhignesse
- M. Xhignesse is full professor, Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3257-5912
| | - Christina St-Onge
- C. St-Onge is full professor, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and holds the Paul Grand'Maison de la Société des médecins de l'Université de Sherbrooke Research Chair in Medical Education, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5313-0456
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Désilets V, Graillon A, Ouellet K, Xhignesse M, St-Onge C. Reflecting on professional identity in undergraduate medical education: implementation of a novel longitudinal course. Perspect Med Educ 2022; 11:232-236. [PMID: 33687729 PMCID: PMC9391548 DOI: 10.1007/s40037-021-00649-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today's healthcare professionals face numerous challenges. Improving reflection skills has the potential to contribute to the better management of complex patients and healthcare systems, as well as to improve professional practice. However, the question of how reflection skills can inform professional identity development at the undergraduate medical education level remains unanswered. APPROACH The authors developed and implemented a 4-year course that aims to engage students in a reflective process to increase their awareness of their professional identity development. The course is structured around three types of pedagogical activities: workshops, reflections deposited in an electronic portfolio, and individual discussions with mentors. EVALUATION Sixty-four 1st year students (33%) and 17 mentors (50%) from the 2017-2018 cohort completed evaluation questionnaires. For the 2018-2019 academic year, 73 1st year students (34%) and 27 2nd year students (14%), as well as 20 1st year (59%) and 19 2nd year mentors (57%) replied. Students and mentors considered that the pedagogical activities contributed to the development of students' professional identity through the acquisition of reflection skills, but some elements were perceived as challenging, notably, completing the portfolio, finding a subject to reflect about and the timing of the proposed activities. REFLECTION An important preoccupation when wanting to foster the development of professional identity through the acquisition of reflection skills is the authenticity of students' reflection. We tried to favor authentic reflection, by having a mentee-mentor pair throughout the entire 4‑year course. A rigorous evaluation process helped us identify and promptly correct issues as they surfaced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Désilets
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H5N4, Canada.
| | - Ann Graillon
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H5N4, Canada
| | - Kathleen Ouellet
- Centre for Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Marianne Xhignesse
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Christina St-Onge
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the current investigation and management of non-immune fetal hydrops with a focus on treatable or recurring etiologies. OUTCOMES To provide better counselling and management in cases of prenatally diagnosed non-immune hydrops. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library in 2017 using key words (non-immune hydrops fetalis, fetal hydrops, fetal therapy, fetal metabolism). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, observational studies, and significant case reports. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to September 2017. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinicalpractice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS These guidelines educate readers about the causes of non-immune fetal hydrops and its prenatal counselling and management. It also provides a standardized approach to non-immune fetal hydrops, emphasizing the search for prenatally treatable conditions and recurrent genetic etiologies. VALUES The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. RECOMMENDATIONS
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Fallet-Bianco C, De Bie I, Désilets V, Oligny LL. No. 365-Fetal and Perinatal Autopsy in Prenatally Diagnosed Fetal Abnormalities with Normal Chromosome Analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2019; 40:1358-1366.e5. [PMID: 30390949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the information on fetal and perinatal autopsies, the process of obtaining consent, and the alternative information-gathering options following a prenatal diagnosis of non-chromosomal anomalies in order to assist health care providers in providing postnatal counselling regarding diagnosis and potential recurrence risks. OUTCOMES To provide better counselling about fetal and perinatal autopsies for women and families who are dealing with a prenatally diagnosed non-chromosomal fetal anomaly. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library in 2010, 2011, and 2017, using appropriate key words (fetal autopsy postmortem, autopsy, perinatal postmortem examination, autopsy protocol, postmortem magnetic resonance imaging, autopsy consent, tissue retention, autopsy evaluation). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. There were no date or language restrictions. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS This update educates readers about (1) the benefits of a fetal perinatal autopsy, (2) the consent process, and (3) the alternatives when the family declines autopsy. It also highlights the need for a standardized approach to fetal and perinatal autopsies, emphasizing pertinent additional sampling when indicated. The authors recognize that there is variability across Canada in access to the cited services and resources. As such, these recommendations were developed in an attempt to promote access and to provide a minimum standard for all provinces and territories across the country. VALUES The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table). RECOMMENDATIONS
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Fallet-Bianco C, De Bie I, Désilets V, Oligny LL. N° 365 -Autopsies fœtales et périnatales en cas d'anomalies fœtales diagnostiquées avant la naissance avec une analyse chromosomique normale. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2018; 40:1367-1377.e6. [PMID: 30390950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Examiner les données sur les autopsies fœtales et périnatales, le processus de consentement et les options de collecte de renseignements à la suite d'un diagnostic prénatal d'anomalies non chromosomiques afin d'aider les fournisseurs de soins à offrir du conseil postnatal au sujet du diagnostic et des éventuels risques de récurrence. RéSULTATS: Offrir de meilleurs conseils sur les autopsies fœtales et périnatales aux femmes et aux familles qui ont reçu un diagnostic prénatal d'anomalie fœtale non chromosomique. ÉVIDENCE: Nous avons examiné des études publiées récupérées au moyen de recherches dans PubMed, Medline, CINAHL et la Bibliothèque Cochrane en 2010, en 2011 et en 2017 à l'aide de mots-clés appropriés (« fetal autopsy postmortem », « autopsy », « perinatal postmortem examination », « autopsy protocol », « postmortem magnetic resonance imaging », « autopsy consent », « tissue retention » et « autopsy evaluation »). Nous n'avons tenu compte que des résultats provenant de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques, randomisés ou non, et d'études observationnelles. D'autres publications ont été repérées dans les bibliographies de ces articles. Aucune restriction de date ou de langue n'a été employée. Nous avons également tenu compte de la littérature grise (non publiée) trouvée sur les sites Web d'organismes d'évaluation des technologies de la santé et d'autres organismes liés aux technologies de la santé, dans des collections de directives cliniques et dans des registres d'essais cliniques, et obtenue auprès d'associations nationales et internationales de médecins spécialistes. AVANTAGES, DéSAVANTAGES ET COUTS: La présente mise à jour renseigne les lecteurs sur : 1) les avantages de l'autopsie fœtale ou périnatale; 2) le processus de consentement; et 3) les autres options offertes aux familles qui refusent l'autopsie. Elle met également en évidence la nécessité d'adopter une démarche normalisée pour la réalisation des autopsies fœtales et périnatales, et met l'accent sur les prélèvements additionnels qui peuvent être pertinents. Les auteurs sont conscients que l'accès aux ressources et aux services mentionnés varie d'un endroit l'autre au Canada; les recommandations formulées ont donc pour but de promouvoir l'accès et de fournir une norme minimale aux provinces et aux territoires du pays. VALEURS La qualité des données a été évaluée au moyen des critères énoncés dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (tableau). RECOMMANDATIONS.
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Désilets V, De Bie I, Audibert F. N° 363 - Évaluation et prise en charge de l'anasarque fœtoplacentaire non immune. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2018; 40:1091-1107. [PMID: 29980442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Décrire les méthodes actuelles d'évaluation et de prise en charge de l'anasarque fœtoplacentaire non immune en mettant l'accent sur les étiologies traitables ou récurrentes. RéSULTATS: Offrir de meilleurs services de conseil et de prise en charge en cas d'anasarque fœtoplacentaire non immune diagnostiquée en période prénatale. DONNéES: La littérature publiée a été récupérée au moyen de recherches menées dans PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, et la Bibliothèque Cochrane en 2017 à l'aide de mots-clés (« non-immune hydrops fetalis », « fetal hydrops », « fetal therapy », « fetal metabolism »). Les articles retenus portaient sur des revues systématiques, des essais cliniques contrôlés, randomisés ou non, des études observationnelles et des études de cas importantes. D'autres publications ont été repérées dans les bibliographies de ces articles. Aucune restriction de date ou de langue n'a été employée. Les recherches ont été mis à jour régulièrement, et les résultats ont été incorporés à la directive clinique jusqu'en septembre 2017. Nous avons également tenu compte de la littérature grise (non publiée) trouvée sur les sites Web d'organismes d'évaluation des technologies de la santé et d'autres organismes liés aux technologies de la santé, dans des collections de directives cliniques et des registres d'essais cliniques, et obtenue auprès d'associations nationales et internationales de médecins spécialistes. AVANTAGES, INCONVéNIENTS ET COûTS: La présente directive clinique renseigne les lecteurs sur les causes de l'anasarque fœtoplacentaire non immune ainsi que sur son évaluation et sa prise en charge. Elle propose également une approche standardisée d'évaluation et de prise en charge, et met l'accent sur la recherche des conditions traitables en période prénatale et des étiologies génétiques récurrentes. VALEURS La qualité des données probantes a été évaluée en fonction des critères décrits dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. RECOMMANDATIONS.
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Key Words
- ACM, artère cérébrale moyenne
- ADN, acide désoxyribonucléique
- AFNI, anasarque fœtoplacentaire non immune
- AG, âge gestationnel
- CMV, cytomégalovirus
- ELISA, essai immuno-enzymatique
- FISH, hybridation in situ fluorescente
- FSC, formule sanguine complète
- Hb H, hémoglobine H
- Hb, hémoglobine
- IgG, immunoglobuline G
- IgM, immunoglobuline M
- MPS, mucopolysaccharidose
- QF-PCR, réaction en chaîne par polymérase fluorescente quantitative
- RT-PCR, réaction en chaîne par polymérase en temps réel
- SOGC, Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada
- TORCH, toxoplasmose, rubéole, cytomégalovirus, herpès simplex
- VIH, virus de l'immunodéficience humaine
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Pacheco-Cuéllar G, Gauthier J, Désilets V, Lachance C, Lemire-Girard M, Rypens F, Le Deist F, Decaluwe H, Duval M, Bouron-Dal Soglio D, Kokta V, Haddad É, Campeau PM. A Novel PGM3 Mutation Is Associated With a Severe Phenotype of Bone Marrow Failure, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Skeletal Dysplasia, and Congenital Malformations. J Bone Miner Res 2017; 32:1853-1859. [PMID: 28543917 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) affect multiple systems and present a broad spectrum of clinical features, often including skeletal dysplasia. Exome sequencing has led to the identification of new CDG genes. Immune and skeletal phenotypes associated with mutations in PGM3, encoding a protein that converts N-acetyl-glucosamine-6-phosphate into N-acetyl-glucosamine-1-phosphate, were recently reported. Through exome sequencing, we identified a novel homozygous mutation (c.1135T>C; p.Phe379Leu) in PGM3 in two siblings with bone marrow failure, severe combined immunodeficiency, renal and intestinal malformations, and a skeletal dysplasia resembling Desbuquois dysplasia. Severe respiratory compromise secondary to lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension, and intestinal obstruction led to their demise. We thus report the most severe phenotype described so far associated with PGM3 mutations. This CDG should be considered in the presence of skeletal dysplasia associated with severe immunodeficiency. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Gauthier
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory and Division of Medical Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Valérie Désilets
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Christian Lachance
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marlène Lemire-Girard
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Françoise Rypens
- Department of Medical Imaging, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Françoise Le Deist
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hélène Decaluwe
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michel Duval
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Victor Kokta
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Élie Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Philippe M Campeau
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
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Désilets V, Audibert F. Exploration et prise en charge de l'anasarque fœtoplacentaire non immune. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2017; 38:S311-S325. [PMID: 28063543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2016.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Lévesque S, Auray-Blais C, Gravel E, Boutin M, Dempsey-Nunez L, Jacques PE, Chenier S, Larue S, Rioux MF, Al-Hertani W, Nadeau A, Mathieu J, Maranda B, Désilets V, Waters PJ, Keutzer J, Austin S, Kishnani P. Diagnosis of late-onset Pompe disease and other muscle disorders by next-generation sequencing. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:8. [PMID: 26809617 PMCID: PMC4727295 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0390-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare treatable lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive lysosomal glycogen accumulation and muscle weakness, with often a limb-girdle pattern. Despite published guidelines, testing for LOPD is often overlooked or delayed in adults, owing to its low frequency compared to other muscle disorders with similar muscle patterns. Next-generation sequencing has the capability to test concurrently for several muscle disorders. This could potentially lead to increased diagnosis of LOPD, disorders with non-specific muscle weakness or atypical patients. Methods We developed a gene panel to further study its clinical utility in a cohort of patients with suspected muscle disorders. We designed a gene panel to analyze the coding sequences and splice site junctions of GAA causing LOPD, along with 77 other genes causing muscle disorders with overlapping phenotypes. Results At a median coverage of ~200X (sequences per base), all GAA exons were successfully covered with >20X and only 0.3 % of exons across all genes were <20X. The panel showed an excellent sensitivity (100 %) and specificity (98 %) across all selected genes, using known variations in Pompe patients and controls. We determined its clinical utility by analyzing 34 patients with suspected muscle disorders of undetermined etiology and various muscle patterns, who were referred or followed in neuromuscular and genetics clinics. A putative diagnosis was found in up to 32 % of patients. The gene panel was instrumental in reaching a diagnosis in atypical patients, including one LOPD case. Acid alpha-glucosidase activity was used to confirm the molecular results in all patients. Conclusion This work highlights the high clinical utility of gene panels in patients with suspected muscle disorders and its potential to facilitate the diagnosis of patients showing non-specific muscle weakness or atypical phenotypes. We propose that gene panels should be used as a first-tier test in patients with suspected muscle disorders of undetermined etiology, which could further increase overall diagnosis of muscle conditions, and potentially reduce diagnostic delay. Further studies are necessary to determine the impact of first-tier gene panels on diagnostic delay and on treatment outcome for LOPD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-016-0390-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lévesque
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada.
| | - Christiane Auray-Blais
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Elaine Gravel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Michel Boutin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Laura Dempsey-Nunez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Pierre-Etienne Jacques
- Departments of Biology and Computer Science, Faculty of Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Chenier
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sandrine Larue
- Department of Neurology, Notre-Dame Hospital, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-France Rioux
- Department of Neurology, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Walla Al-Hertani
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Amelie Nadeau
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean Mathieu
- Neuromuscular Clinic, Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique de Jonquière, Saguenay, QC, Canada
| | - Bruno Maranda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Valérie Désilets
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Paula J Waters
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Joan Keutzer
- Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi Company, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Austin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Priya Kishnani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Lemay P, Guyot MC, Tremblay É, Dionne-Laporte A, Spiegelman D, Henrion É, Diallo O, De Marco P, Merello E, Massicotte C, Désilets V, Michaud JL, Rouleau GA, Capra V, Kibar Z. Loss-of-function de novo mutations play an important role in severe human neural tube defects. J Med Genet 2015; 52:493-7. [PMID: 25805808 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTDs) are very common and severe birth defects that are caused by failure of neural tube closure and that have a complex aetiology. Anencephaly and spina bifida are severe NTDs that affect reproductive fitness and suggest a role for de novo mutations (DNMs) in their aetiology. METHODS We used whole-exome sequencing in 43 sporadic cases affected with myelomeningocele or anencephaly and their unaffected parents to identify DNMs in their exomes. RESULTS We identified 42 coding DNMs in 25 cases, of which 6 were loss of function (LoF) showing a higher rate of LoF DNM in our cohort compared with control cohorts. Notably, we identified two protein-truncating DNMs in two independent cases in SHROOM3, previously associated with NTDs only in animal models. We have demonstrated a significant enrichment of LoF DNMs in this gene in NTDs compared with the gene specific DNM rate and to the DNM rate estimated from control cohorts. We also identified one nonsense DNM in PAX3 and two potentially causative missense DNMs in GRHL3 and PTPRS. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates an important role of LoF DNMs in the development of NTDs and strongly implicates SHROOM3 in its aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Lemay
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Guyot
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Élizabeth Tremblay
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Dan Spiegelman
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Édouard Henrion
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ousmane Diallo
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Christine Massicotte
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Valérie Désilets
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Zoha Kibar
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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13
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Opitz R, Hitz MP, Vandernoot I, Trubiroha A, Abu-Khudir R, Samuels M, Désilets V, Costagliola S, Andelfinger G, Deladoëy J. Functional zebrafish studies based on human genotyping point to netrin-1 as a link between aberrant cardiovascular development and thyroid dysgenesis. Endocrinology 2015; 156:377-88. [PMID: 25353184 PMCID: PMC4272402 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Congenital hypothyroidism caused by thyroid dysgenesis (CHTD) is a common congenital disorder with a birth prevalence of 1 case in 4000 live births, and up to 8% of individuals with CHTD have co-occurring congenital heart disease. Initially we found nine patients with cardiac and thyroid congenital disorders in our cohort of 158 CHTD patients. To enrich for a rare phenotype likely to be genetically simpler, we selected three patients with a ventricular septal defect for molecular studies. Then, to assess whether rare de novo copy number variants and coding mutations in candidate genes are a source of genetic susceptibility, we used a genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism array and Sanger sequencing to analyze blood DNA samples from selected patients with co-occurring CHTD a congenital heart disease. We found rare variants in all three patients, and we selected Netrin-1 as the biologically most plausible contributory factor for functional studies. In zebrafish, ntn1a and ntn1b were not expressed in thyroid tissue, but ntn1a was expressed in pharyngeal arch mesenchyme, and ntn1a-deficient embryos displayed defective aortic arch artery formation and abnormal thyroid morphogenesis. The functional activity of the thyroid in ntn1a-deficient larvae was, however, preserved. Phenotypic analysis of affected zebrafish indicates that abnormal thyroid morphogenesis resulted from a lack of proper guidance exerted by the dysplastic vasculature of ntn1a-deficient embryos. Hence, careful phenotyping of patients combined with molecular and functional studies in zebrafish identify Netrin-1 as a potential shared genetic factor for cardiac and thyroid congenital defects.
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14
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Audibert F, Désilets V, Wilson RD. In response. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2014; 36:115. [PMID: 24518908 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(15)30655-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- François Audibert
- Division de Médecine Foeto-Maternelle, Département de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal QC
| | - Valérie Désilets
- Département de Génétique Médicale, CHU Sherbrooke - Hôpital Fleurimont, Sherbrooke QC
| | - R Douglas Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB
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15
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Désilets V, Audibert F, Wilson R, Audibert F, Brock JA, Carroll J, Cartier L, Gagnon A, Johnson JA, Langlois S, MacDonald W, Murphy-Kaulbeck L, Okun N, Pastuck M, Senikas V. Investigation and Management of Non-immune Fetal Hydrops. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2013; 35:923-38. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(15)30816-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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16
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Désilets V, Audibert F, Douglas Wilson R, Audibert F, Brock JA, Carroll J, Cartier L, Gagnon A, Johnson JA, Langlois S, MacDonald W, Murphy-Kaulbeck L, Okun N, Pastuck M, Senikas V. Exploration et prise en charge de l’anasarque fœtoplacentaire non immune. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(15)30817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Srour M, Hamdan FF, Schwartzentruber JA, Patry L, Ospina LH, Shevell MI, Désilets V, Dobrzeniecka S, Mathonnet G, Lemyre E, Massicotte C, Labuda D, Amrom D, Andermann E, Sébire G, Maranda B, Rouleau GA, Majewski J, Michaud JL. Mutations in TMEM231 cause Joubert syndrome in French Canadians. J Med Genet 2012; 49:636-41. [PMID: 23012439 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2012-101132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Joubert syndrome (JBTS) is a predominantly autosomal recessive disorder characterised by a distinctive midhindbrain malformation, oculomotor apraxia, breathing abnormalities and developmental delay. JBTS is genetically heterogeneous, involving genes required for formation and function of non-motile cilia. Here we investigate the genetic basis of JBTS in 12 French-Canadian (FC) individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS Exome sequencing in all subjects showed that six of them carried rare compound heterozygous mutations in CC2D2A or C5ORF42, known JBTS genes. In addition, three individuals (two families) were compound heterozygous for the same rare mutations in TMEM231(c.12T>A[p.Tyr4*]; c.625G>A[p.Asp209Asn]). All three subjects showed a severe neurological phenotype and variable presence of polydactyly, retinopathy and renal cysts. These mutations were not detected among 385 FC controls. TMEM231 has been previously shown to localise to the ciliary transition zone, and to interact with several JBTS gene products in a complex involved in the formation of the diffusion barrier between the cilia and plasma membrane. siRNA knockdown of TMEM231 was also shown to affect barrier integrity, resulting in a reduction of cilia formation and ciliary localisation of signalling receptors. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that mutations in TMEM231 cause JBTS, reinforcing the relationship between this condition and the disruption of the barrier at the ciliary transition zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Srour
- Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences of Université de Montréal and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1C5
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Srour M, Schwartzentruber J, Hamdan FF, Ospina LH, Patry L, Labuda D, Massicotte C, Dobrzeniecka S, Capo-Chichi JM, Papillon-Cavanagh S, Samuels ME, Boycott KM, Shevell MI, Laframboise R, Désilets V, Maranda B, Rouleau GA, Majewski J, Michaud JL. Mutations in C5ORF42 cause Joubert syndrome in the French Canadian population. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 90:693-700. [PMID: 22425360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Joubert syndrome (JBTS) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by a distinctive mid-hindbrain malformation, developmental delay with hypotonia, ocular-motor apraxia, and breathing abnormalities. Although JBTS was first described more than 40 years ago in French Canadian siblings, the causal mutations have not yet been identified in this family nor in most French Canadian individuals subsequently described. We ascertained a cluster of 16 JBTS-affected individuals from 11 families living in the Lower St. Lawrence region. SNP genotyping excluded the presence of a common homozygous mutation that would explain the clustering of these individuals. Exome sequencing performed on 15 subjects showed that nine affected individuals from seven families (including the original JBTS family) carried rare compound-heterozygous mutations in C5ORF42. Two missense variants (c.4006C>T [p.Arg1336Trp] and c.4690G>A [p.Ala1564Thr]) and a splicing mutation (c.7400+1G>A), which causes exon skipping, were found in multiple subjects that were not known to be related, whereas three other truncating mutations (c.6407del [p.Pro2136Hisfs*31], c.4804C>T [p.Arg1602*], and c.7477C>T [p.Arg2493*]) were identified in single individuals. None of the unaffected first-degree relatives were compound heterozygous for these mutations. Moreover, none of the six putative mutations were detected among 477 French Canadian controls. Our data suggest that mutations in C5ORF42 explain a large portion of French Canadian individuals with JBTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Srour
- Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences, Université de Montréal and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Désilets V, Oligny LL, Wilson RD, Allen VM, Audibert F, Blight C, Brock JA, Cartier L, Carroll J, Désilets V, Gagnon A, Johnson JA, Langlois S, Murphy-Kaulbeck L, Okun N, Pastuck M, Gilmour D, Bell D, Carson G, Hughes O, Le Jour C, Leduc D, Leyland N, Martyn P, Masse A, Wolfman W, Ehman W, Biringer A, Gagnon A, Graves L, Hey J, Konkin J, Léger F, Marshall C. Archivée: Autopsies foetales et périnatales dans les cas d’anomalies foetales diagnostiquées avant la naissance en présence d’un caryotype normal. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)35056-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Désilets V, Oligny LL. Fetal and perinatal autopsy in prenatally diagnosed fetal abnormalities with normal karyotype. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2011; 33:1047-1057. [PMID: 22014783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the information on fetal and perinatal autopsies, the process of obtaining consent, and the alternative information-gathering options following a prenatal diagnosis of non-chromosomal malformations, and to assist clinicians in providing postnatal counselling regarding fetal diagnosis and recurrence risks. OUTCOMES To provide better counselling about fetal and perinatal autopsies for women and families who are dealing with a prenatally diagnosed non-chromosomal fetal anomaly. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or Medline, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library in 2009 and 2010, using appropriate key words (fetal autopsy, postmortem, autopsy, perinatal postmortem examination, autopsy protocol, postmortem magnetic resonance imaging, autopsy consent, tissue retention, autopsy evaluation). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. There were no date or language restrictions. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS This update educates readers about (1) the benefits of a fetal perinatal autopsy, (2) the consent process, and (3) the alternatives when the family declines autopsy. It also provides a standardized approach to fetal and perinatal autopsies, emphasizing pertinent additional sampling when indicated. VALUES The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). Recommendations 1. Standard autopsy should ideally be an essential part of fully investigating fetal loss, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths associated with non-chromosomal fetal malformations. (II-3A) 2. Clinicians and health care providers approaching parents for autopsy consent should discuss the options for a full, limited, or step-wise postmortem examination; the issue of retained fetal tissues; and the value of autopsy and the possibility that the information gained may not benefit them but may be of benefit to others. This information should be provided while respecting the personal and cultural values of the families. (III-A) 3. If parents are unwilling to give consent for a full autopsy, alternatives to full autopsy that provide additional clinical information must be presented in a manner that includes disclosure of limitations. (III-A) 4. External physical examination, medical photographs, and standard radiographic or computed tomography should be offered in all cases of fetal anomaly(ies) of non-chromosomal etiology. (II-2A) 5. Well-designed, large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the accuracy of postmortem magnetic resonance imaging. It cannot function as a substitute for standard full autopsy. (III-A) 6. The fetal and perinatal autopsies should be performed by trained perinatal or pediatric pathologists. (II-2A) 7. The need for additional sampling is guided by the results of previous prenatal and/or genetic investigations, as well as the type of anomalies identified in the fetus. Fibroblast cultures may allow future laboratory studies, particularly in the absence of previous karyotyping or if a biochemical disorder is suspected, and DNA analysis. (II-3A) 8. In cases requiring special evaluation, the most responsible health care provider should have direct communication with the fetopathologist to ensure that all necessary sampling is performed in a timely manner. (II-3A) 9. The most responsible health care providers must see the families in follow-up to share autopsy findings, plan for the management of future pregnancies, obtain consent for additional testing, and offer genetic counselling to other family members when appropriate. (III-A).
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Désilets V, Oligny LL, Wilson RD, Allen VM, Audibert F, Blight C, Brock JA, Carroll J, Cartier L, Désilets V, Gagnon A, Johnson JA, Langlois S, Murphy-Kaulbeck L, Okun N, Pastuck M, Gilmour D, Bell D, Carson G, Hughes O, Le Jour C, Leduc D, Leyland N, Martyn P, Masse A, Wolfman W, Ehman W, Biringer A, Gagnon A, Graves L, Hey J, Konkin J, Léger F, Marshall C. Fetal and Perinatal Autopsy in Prenatally Diagnosed Fetal Abnormalities With Normal Karyotype. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)35055-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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D'Amours G, Kibar Z, Mathonnet G, Fetni R, Tihy F, Désilets V, Nizard S, Michaud JL, Lemyre E. Whole-genome array CGH identifies pathogenic copy number variations in fetuses with major malformations and a normal karyotype. Clin Genet 2011; 81:128-41. [PMID: 21496010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2011.01687.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite a wide range of clinical tools, the etiology of mental retardation and multiple congenital malformations remains unknown for many patients. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) has proven to be a valuable tool in these cases, as its pangenomic coverage allows the identification of chromosomal aberrations that are undetectable by other genetic methods targeting specific genomic regions. Therefore, aCGH is increasingly used in clinical genetics, both in the postnatal and the prenatal settings. While the diagnostic yield in the postnatal population has been established at 10-12%, studies investigating fetuses have reported variable results. We used whole-genome aCGH to investigate fetuses presenting at least one major malformation detected on ultrasound, but for whom standard genetic analyses (including karyotype) failed to provide a diagnosis. We identified a clinically significant chromosomal aberration in 8.2% of tested fetuses (4/49), and a result of unclear clinical significance in 12.2% of tested fetuses (6/49). Our results document the value of whole-genome aCGH as a prenatal diagnostic tool and highlight the interpretation difficulties associated with copy number variations of unclear significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D'Amours
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Chitayat D, Wyatt PR, Douglas Wilson R, Johnson JA, Audibert F, Allen V, Gagnon A, Langlois S, Blight C, Brock JA, Désilets V, Wyatt PR, Langlois S, Chitayat D, Désilets VA, Farrell SA, Geraghty M, Nelson T, Nikkel SM, Skidmore D, Shugar A. Archivée: Dépistage du X fragile en obstétrique-gynécologie au Canada. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)32950-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sparkes R, Johnson JA, Langlois S, Wilson RD, Allen V, Blight C, Désilets V, Gagnon A, Johnson JA, Langlois S, Summers A, Wyatt P. Nouvelles techniques moléculaires de dépistage prénatal de l’aneuploïdie chromosomique. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)32898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Rougemont AL, Bouron-Dal Soglio D, Désilets V, Jovanovic M, Perreault G, Laurier Oligny L, Fournet JC. Caudal dysgenesis, sirenomelia, and situs inversus totalis: a primitive defect in blastogenesis. Am J Med Genet A 2008; 146A:1470-6. [PMID: 18470923 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Caudal dysgenesis (CD) constitutes a heterogeneous spectrum of congenital caudal anomalies, including varying degrees of agenesis of the vertebral column, as well as anorectal and genitourinary anomalies. Sirenomelia, characterized by a fusion of the lower limbs, could represent the most severe end of this spectrum. The two main debated pathogenic hypotheses are an aberrant vascular supply versus a primary axial mesoderm defect. We present the autopsy findings of two fetuses of non-diabetic mothers, with normal karyotype. Both fetuses presented situs inversus associated with a CD, in one case consisting of sirenomelia, establishing a very rare association profile that might be random. This association also suggests the occurrence of a common pathogenic mechanism, in accordance to recent genetic data, such as displayed in the Kif3A murine mutation phenotype. Some cases of sirenomelia and CD could represent developmental field defects of blastogenesis involving the caudal mesoderm, rather than being related to vascular insufficiency.
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Wilson RD, Wilson RD, Désilets V, Wyatt P, Langlois S, Gagnon A, Allen V, Blight C, Johnson JA, Audibert F, Brock JA, Koren G, Goh I, Nguyen P, Kapur B. Archivée: Supplémentation préconceptionnelle en vitamines / acide folique 2007 : Utilisation d’acide folique, conjointement avec un supplément multivitaminique, pour la prévention des anomalies du tube neural et d’autres anomalies congénitales. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)32686-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wilson RD, Langlois S, Johnson JA, Wilson RD, Désilets V, Audibert F, Gagnon A, Johnson JA, Wyatt P, Allen V, Langlois S, Blight C, Langlois S, Chitayat D, Farrell SA, Nelson T, Nikkel SM, Skidmore D. Taux de perte foetale associée à l’amniocentèse menée au cours du deuxième trimestre. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)32502-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Morel CF, Duncan AMV, Désilets V. A fragile site at 10q23 (FRA10A) in a phenytoin-exposed fetus: a case report and review of the literature. Prenat Diagn 2005; 25:318-21. [PMID: 15849796 DOI: 10.1002/pd.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report fragility at 10q23.3 in a fetus exposed to phenytoin during pregnancy. Review of the literature. METHODS Amniocytes were cultured in A10 (WISENT) culture medium. Molecular polymorphism studies of MTHFR gene using PCR were performed on fetal tissues. RESULTS The fragile site was expressed in all 22 amniocyte colonies analyzed. Analysis of fetal blood showed 46,XX[98]/46,XX,fra(10)(q23.3)[3]/46,XX,del(10)(q23.3) [1]. Molecular studies of the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene identified a compound heterozygote genotype for two polymorphisms, 677C>T and 1298A>C. CONCLUSION The fragility at 10q23.3 is unlikely to be due to culture condition-induced folic acid deficiency (medium contains folate). It is possible that this finding represents a previously undescribed folic acid-insensitive fragile site in the region of 10q23.3. Alternatively, the fetal cells may have had decreased folate metabolism, and the fragile site was the known folate-sensitive FRA10A. Since phenytoin has been shown to decrease MTHFR activity in mice, we postulate that the fragile site at 10q23.3 in this fetus may have arisen secondary to a combination of the polymorphisms in MTHFR and exposure to this drug, and is indeed FRA10A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal F Morel
- F. Clarke Fraser Clinical Genetics Unit, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Québec H3H 1P3, Canada.
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Wilson RD, Davies G, Désilets V, Reid GJ, Summers A, Wyatt P, Young D. The Use of Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Other Congenital Anomalies. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2003; 25:959-73. [PMID: 14608448 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide information regarding the use of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) and other congenital anomalies, in order that physicians, midwives, nurses, and other health-care workers can assist in the education of women in the preconception phase of their health care. OPTION: Folic acid supplementation is problematic, since 50% of pregnancies are unplanned and the health status of women may not be optimal. OUTCOMES Folic acid supplementation has been proven to decrease or minimize specific birth defects. EVIDENCE A systematic review of the literature, including review and peer-reviewed articles, government publications, the previous Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Policy Statement of March 1993, and statements from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was used to develop a new clinical practice guideline for the SOGC. VALUES Peer-review process within the committee structure. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS The benefit is reduced lethal and severe morbidity birth defects and the harm is minimal. The personal cost is of vitamin supplementation on a daily basis and eating a healthy diet. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Women in the reproductive age group should be advised about the benefits of folic acid supplementation during wellness visits (birth control renewal, Pap testing, yearly examination), especially if pregnancy is contemplated. (III-A) 2. Women should be advised to maintain a healthy nutritional diet, as recommended in Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating (good or excellent sources of folic acid: broccoli, spinach, peas, Brussels sprouts, corn, beans, lentils, oranges). (III-A) 3. Women who could become pregnant should be advised to take a multivitamin containing 0.4 mg to 1.0 mg of folic acid daily. (II-1A) 4. Women taking a multivitamin with folic acid supplement should be advised not to take more than 1 daily dose of vitamin supplement, as indicated on the product label. (II-2A) 5. Women in intermediate- to high-risk categories for NTDs (NTD-affected previous pregnancy, family history, insulin-dependent diabetes, epilepsy treatment with valproic acid or carbamazepine) should be advised that high-dose folic acid (4.0 mg-5.0 mg daily) supplementation is recommended. This should be taken as folic acid alone, not in a multivitamin format, due to risk of excessive intake of other vitamins such as vitamin A. (I-A) 6. The choice of a 5 mg folic acid daily dose for women considering a pregnancy should be made under medical supervision after minimizing the risk of undiagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency (hypersegmentation of polymorphonuclear cells, macrocystic indices, large ovalocytes, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase level, confirmed red blood cell folate level). (II-2A) 7. Signs or symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered before initiating folic acid supplementation of doses greater than 1.0 mg. (III-A) 8. A three-generation pedigree on the families of both the pregnant woman and the biological father should be obtained to identify increased risk for congenital birth defects (i.e., NTD, cardiac, chromosomal, genetic). (III-A) 9. Women who become pregnant should be advised of the availability of noninvasive screening tests and invasive diagnostic tests for congenital birth defects (including NTDs): maternal serum "triple marker screen" at 15 to 20 weeks, ultrasound at 16 to 20 weeks, and amniocentesis after 15 weeks of pregnancy if a positive screening test is present. (I-A) VALIDATION: This is a revision of a previous guideline and information from other consensus reviews from medical and government publications has been used.
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Davies G, Wilson RD, Désilets V, Reid GJ, Shaw D, Summers A, Wyatt P, Young D. Amniocentesis and women with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2003; 25:145-48, 149-52. [PMID: 12577132 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30211-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the risk of in utero infection through amniocentesis in women with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OUTCOMES Fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. EVIDENCE Review articles, meta-analyses, and MEDLINE searches from 1966 to 2002 for English-language articles related to amniocentesis, fetal and neonatal infection, and hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV. VALUES The evidence collected was reviewed by the Genetics Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and quantified using the Evaluation of Evidence guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The risk of fetal hepatitis B infection through amniocentesis is low. However, knowledge of the maternal hepatitis B e antigen status is valuable in the counselling of risks associated with amniocentesis. (II-1C) 2. Amniocentesis in women infected with hepatitis C does not appear to significantly increase the risk of vertical transmission, but women should be counselled that very few studies have properly addressed this possibility. (II-2C) 3. In HIV-positive women all noninvasive screening tools should be used prior to considering amniocentesis. (II-2D) 4. For women infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV, the addition of noninvasive methods of prenatal risk screening, such as nuchal translucency, triple screening, and anatomic ultrasound, may help in reducing the age-related risk to a level below the threshold for genetic amniocentesis. (II-2C) 5. For those women infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV who insist on amniocentesis, every effort should be made to avoid inserting the needle through the placenta. (II-1B) VALIDATION: These guidelines have been approved by the SOGC Genetics Committee, SOGC Executive, and SOGC Council. SPONSORS The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
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