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Genotype‐guided diagnostic reassessment after exome sequencing in neuromuscular disorders: experiences with a two‐step approach
Author(s) -
Krenn M.,
Tomschik M.,
Rath J.,
Cetin H.,
Grisold A.,
Zulehner G.,
Milenkovic I.,
Stogmann E.,
Zimprich A.,
Strom T. M.,
Meitinger T.,
Wagner M.,
Zimprich F.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/ene.14033
Subject(s) - exome sequencing , medicine , diagnostic test , genotype , genetic testing , dna sequencing , exome , molecular diagnostics , genetic diagnosis , bioinformatics , gene , genetics , mutation , pediatrics , biology
Background and purpose Next‐generation sequencing has greatly improved the diagnostic success rates for genetic neuromuscular disorders ( NMD s). Nevertheless, most patients still remain undiagnosed, and there is a need to maximize the diagnostic yield. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 72 patients with NMD s who underwent exome sequencing ( ES ), partly followed by genotype‐guided diagnostic reassessment and secondary investigations. The diagnostic yields that would have been achieved by appropriately chosen narrow and comprehensive gene panels were also analysed. Results The initial diagnostic yield of ES was 30.6% ( n = 22/72 patients). In an additional 15.3% of patients ( n = 11/72) ES results were of unknown clinical significance. After genotype‐guided diagnostic reassessment and complementary investigations, the yield was increased to 37.5% ( n = 27/72). Compared to ES , targeted gene panels (<25 kilobases) reached a diagnostic yield of 22.2% ( n = 16/72), whereas comprehensive gene panels achieved 34.7% ( n = 25/72). Conclusion Exome sequencing allows the detection of pathogenic variants missed by (narrowly) targeted gene panel approaches. Diagnostic reassessment after genetic testing further enhances the diagnostic outcomes for NMD s.