Improved diagnostics lead to identification of three new patients with congenital disorder of glycosylation-Ip.

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) comprise a clinically and biochemically heterogeneous group of monogenetic-inherited, multisystemic diseases that affect the biosynthesis of N- and/or O-glycans linked to glycoconjugates. Recently, we identified the first patient with a defect in the cytosolic-orientated GDP-mannose:Man(3-4) GlcNAc(2)-PP-dolichol alpha-1,2-mannosyltransferase (ALG11), who presented an accumulation of shortened dolichol-linked oligosaccharides leading to CDG-Ip (ALG11-CDG). Here we describe an improved metabolic labeling method that allowed the identification of three new CDG-Ip cases that were missed so far in routine diagnostics. Although all CDG-Ip patients carry different mutations in the ALG11 gene, they share a variety of clinical syndromes like an unremarkable prenatal period followed by developmental delay, psychomotor, and mental retardation, strabismus convergens and seizures occurring in the first year of life.

A tailored approach to family-centered genetic counseling for cystic fibrosis newborn screening: the Wisconsin model.

This article describes the development of a tailored family-centered approach to genetic counseling following abnormal newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF). A genetic counseling consortium reviewed research literature, selected theoretical frameworks, and incorporated counseling psychology micro skills. This innovative intervention integrated theories and empirically validated techniques. Pilot testing and parent feedback confirmed satisfaction with and feasibility of the approach designed to (a) minimize parents' distress, (b) facilitate parents' understanding, (c) increase parents' capacities to use genetic information, and (d) enhance parents' experiences with genetic counseling. Counselors engage in a highly interactive process of evaluating parents' needs and tailoring assessments and interventions that include a therapeutic environment, the family's emotional needs, parents' informational needs, and a follow-up plan. This promising new model is the first to establish a theory-driven, evidence-based standard for genetic counseling in the context of NBS for CF. Additional research will evaluate the model's efficacy in clinical practice.

Evaluation of genetic counseling among cystic fibrosis carriers, Michigan Newborn Screening.

OBJECTIVE: A quality improvement (QI) strategy to improve the rate of genetic counseling (GC) services was initiated in cystic fibrosis (CF) care Center E in 2010. This statewide study was conducted to determine: (1) GC rates before and after implementation of the QI strategy at Center E; (2) characteristics associated with not receiving GC; and (3) topic areas addressed during GC. METHODS: The retrospective study included 1,097 CF carriers born from 2008 to 2011 identified through Michigan's Newborn Screening Program. Rate of GC services was determined for Center E and the other four CF centers before and after the QI change. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between select characteristics and not receiving GC. Topic areas discussed during GC sessions were assessed using frequency tables. RESULTS: Rate of GC services in Center E increased from 23% in 2008-2010 to 91% in 2011, while at the other centers approximately 92% received GC services across those years. In 2008-2010, being seen at Center E and black race were significantly associated with increased likelihood of not receiving GC services in adjusted analyses. In 2011, neither characteristic was associated with receipt of GC. Of 16 target topic areas, all were discussed in 85% of GC sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a QI strategy of providing sweat test results at the GC appointment within Center E resulted in more CF carriers receiving comprehensive GC services. Center-specific procedure differences should be assessed to increase rate of GC services following a positive CF newborn screen.

Clinical practices for intermediate sweat tests following abnormal cystic fibrosis newborn screens.

BACKGROUND: Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) has become standard practice in many countries. Consequently, the prevalence of infants with intermediate sweat test results has increased. This study examined clinical practices in the United States (US) related to intermediate sweat test results subsequent to NBS. METHODS: Respondents from 77 (47% response rate) US CF centers completed telephone surveys documenting clinical practices related to intermediate sweat chloride levels (30-59 mmol/L) following abnormal NBS. RESULTS: Thirty percent of centers followed CF Foundation guidelines for classifying intermediate results. There was much variability in sweat testing procedures, diagnostic labels, additional diagnostics, addressing prognosis, and services offered to parents. CF center staff identified a need for resources to better address the uncertainty associated with intermediate results. CONCLUSION: Results suggest the need for education regarding current guidelines and consensus regarding the nomenclature and services offered to families of newborns with intermediate sweat test results.