Uptake and patient perspectives on additional testing for novel disease-associated genes: Lessons from a pah cohort

Samara M. A. Jansen, Lieke M. van de Heuvel, Arjan C. Houweling, J. Peter van Tintelen, Frances S. de Man, Anton Vonk Noordegraaf, Harm Jan Bogaard

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Abstract

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has an identifiable genetic cause in 5% of all PAH cases. Due to health benefits conferred by the early detection of PAH and the recent identification of additional PAH-associated genes, we decided to offer (extended) genetic testing to all incident and prevalent idiopathic PAH (iPAH) and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) patients in our clinic. Here, we report the lessons learned from (re-)contacting iPAH/PVOD patients concerning the uptake and analysis of identified PAH-associated genes and patient perspectives of the approach. Methods: Between January 2018 and April 2020, all iPAH/PVOD patients who were not previously genetically tested (contact group) and those who tested negative on prior analysis of BMPR2 and SMAD9 variants (re-contact group) were (re-)contacted for (additional) genetic testing. Results: With our approach, 58% of patients (84 out of 165) opted for genetic counselling, and a pathogenic variant was found in 12% of cases (n = 10) (re-contact group, 11%, and contact group, 13%). Eighty-six percent of participants of the survey study appreciated being (re-)contacted for genetic testing. Mild psychosocial impacts were observed. Conclusions: Our report shows the importance of (re-)contact and interest of patients (as indicated by the uptake, mild psychosocial impact and appreciation) in PAH.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1540
JournalGenes
Volume12
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension
  • Re-contacting
  • Uptake testing

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