A prospective evaluation of whole-exome sequencing as a first-tier molecular test in infants with suspected monogenic disorders

Zornitza Stark, Tiong Y. Tan, Belinda Chong, Gemma R. Brett, Patrick Yap, Maie Walsh, Alison Yeung, Heidi Peters, Dylan Mordaunt, Shannon Cowie, David J. Amor, Ravi Savarirayan, George McGillivray, Lilian Downie, Paul G. Ekert, Christiane Theda, Paul A. James, Joy Yaplito-Lee, Monique M. Ryan, Richard J. LeventerEmma Creed, Ivan Macciocca, Katrina M. Bell, Alicia Oshlack, Simon Sadedin, Peter Georgeson, Charlotte Anderson, Natalie Thorne, Clara Gaff, Susan M. White, Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

192 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose:To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic and clinical utility of singleton whole-exome sequencing (WES) as a first-tier test in infants with suspected monogenic disease.Methods:Singleton WES was performed as a first-tier sequencing test in infants recruited from a single pediatric tertiary center. This occurred in parallel with standard investigations, including single- or multigene panel sequencing when clinically indicated. The diagnosis rate, clinical utility, and impact on management of singleton WES were evaluated.Results:Of 80 enrolled infants, 46 received a molecular genetic diagnosis through singleton WES (57.5%) compared with 11 (13.75%) who underwent standard investigations in the same patient group. Clinical management changed following exome diagnosis in 15 of 46 diagnosed participants (32.6%). Twelve relatives received a genetic diagnosis following cascade testing, and 28 couples were identified as being at high risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.Conclusions:This prospective study provides strong evidence for increased diagnostic and clinical utility of singleton WES as a first-tier sequencing test for infants with a suspected monogenic disorder. Singleton WES outperformed standard care in terms of diagnosis rate and the benefits of a diagnosis, namely, impact on management of the child and clarification of reproductive risks for the extended family in a timely manner.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1090-1096
Number of pages7
JournalGenetics in Medicine
Volume18
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • clinical utility
  • first tier
  • monogenic
  • singleton WES

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics(clinical)

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