Two years of newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy as a part of the statewide Early Check research program in North Carolina.

PURPOSE: Current and emerging treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) position DMD as a candidate condition for newborn screening (NBS). In anticipation of the nomination of DMD for universal NBS, we conducted a prospective study under the Early Check voluntary NBS research program in North Carolina, United States. METHODS: We performed screening for creatine kinase-MM (CK-MM), a biomarker of muscle damage, on residual routine newborn dried blood spots (DBS) from participating newborns. Total creatine kinase testing and next generation sequencing of an 86-neuromuscular gene panel that included DMD were offered to parents of newborns who screened positive. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess effects of biological and demographic predictors on CK-MM levels in DBS. RESULTS: We screened 13,354 newborns and identified 2 males with DMD. The provisional 1626 ng/mL cutoff was raised to 2032 ng/mL to improve specificity, and additional cutoffs (900 and 360 ng/mL) were implemented to improve sensitivity for older and low-birthweight newborns. CONCLUSION: Population-scale screening for elevated CK-MM in DBS is a feasible approach to identify newborns with DMD. Inclusion of birthweight- and age-specific cutoffs, repeat creatine kinase testing after 72 hours of age, and DMD sequencing improve sensitivity and specificity of screening.

A systematic framework for selecting gene-condition pairs for inclusion in newborn sequencing panels: Early Check implementation.

PURPOSE: Research is underway worldwide to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of sequencing-based newborn screening. Different methods have been used to select gene-condition pairs for screening, leading to highly inconsistent gene lists across studies. METHODS: Early Check developed and utilized actionability-based frameworks for evaluating gene-condition pairs for inclusion in newborn panels (Panel 1 - high actionability, Panel 2 - possible actionability). A previously developed framework, the Age-based Semi Quantitative Metric (ASQM), was adapted. Increasing ASQM scores, with a maximum of 15, suggest greater actionability. Wilcoxon tests were performed to compare Panel 1 gene-condition pairs on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) to non-RUSP pairs. RESULTS: In our first round of assessment, Early Check identified 178 gene-condition pairs for inclusion in Panel 1 and 29 for Panel 2. Median ASQM scores of RUSP conditions on Panel 1 was 12 (range 4 to 15) and non-RUSP was 13 (range 9 to 15). Median scores for Panel 2 was 10 (range 6 to 14). CONCLUSION: The Early Check frameworks provide a transparent, semiquantitative, and reproducible methodology for selecting gene-condition pairs for NBS sequencing pilot studies that may inform future integration of genomic sequencing into population-level NBS. Collaborative efforts among newborn sequencing studies to establish shared criteria is needed to enhance cross-study comparisons.

Facilitators and Barriers to Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Treatment Among Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women Living with HIV and Perinatally Infected Infants: A Scoping Review.

In 2022, 54% of 1.5 million children (age 0-14) living with HIV had access to anti-retroviral medication (ART). Adherence to ART for pregnant or breastfeeding HIV + women is critical for maintaining their personal health and to prevent mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT). For HIV + infants, adherence is essential to establish early viremic control and is contingent on caregiver administration. We conducted a scoping review to systematically identify and categorize the influences on ART adherence for pregnant or breastfeeding HIV + women and their HIV + infants. We searched databases in June 2023 and employed the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) to organize facilitators and barriers to adherence referenced in published articles. All articles published before 2016 were excluded due to updated guidelines from WHO on MTCT and ART. Our analysis included 52 articles. 50/52 took place in Africa and used cross-sectional and mixed-methods design. Barriers to adherence for pregnant or breastfeeding HIV + women included maternal education, self-efficacy, social support, and social/economic context. Barriers to infant adherence included development, nutrition, age of treatment initiation, disclosure, and ART side effects. Additional facilitators and barriers to adherence are presented at family, extra-familial, and socio-cultural SEM levels. Stigma was the most salient barrier referenced across the entire continuum of HIV care and all SEM levels. This review revealed a dearth of literature focusing on HIV + infants who are dependent on their caregivers for ART adherence and lack of a standard adherence measure. We identified multi-leveled influences on adherence impacting both the mother and infant and are amenable to public health intervention.

Use of a web-based portal to return normal individual research results in Early Check: Exploring user behaviors and attitudes.

Early Check is a voluntary, large-scale expanded newborn screening study in North Carolina that uses a self-directed web-based portal for return of normal individual research results (IRR). Little is known about participant perspectives in using web-based portals to receive IRR. This study explored user attitudes and behaviors within the Early Check portal using three methods: (1) a feedback survey available to the consenting parent of participating infants (typically mothers), (2) semi-structured interviews conducted with a subset of parents, and (3) Google Analytics. During an approximate 3-year period, 17 936 newborns received normal IRR and there were 27 812 visits to the portal. Most surveyed parents reported viewing their baby's results (86%, 1410/1639). Parents largely found the portal easy to use to get results, and helpful in understanding the results. However, 10% of parents said it was difficult to find enough information to understand their baby's results. In Early Check, providing normal IRR via the portal made a large-scale study practical, and was highly rated by most users. Return of normal IRR may be particularly amenable to web-based portals, as the consequences to participants from not viewing results are modest, and the interpretation of a normal result is relatively straightforward.

GM1-gangliosidosis: The caregivers' assessments of symptom impact and most important symptoms to treat.

GM1-gangliosidosis (GM1) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder leading to early mortality and causing progressive decline of physical skills and cerebral functioning. No approved treatment for GM1 exists. In this study-the first to explore priorities of parents of subjects with pediatric onset forms of GM1-we address a crucial gap by characterizing symptoms most critical to caregivers of children with GM1 to treat. Our two-part, mixed-methods approach began with focus groups, followed by interviews with a distinct set of parents. Interviews included a prioritization activity that used best-worst scaling. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and rapid analysis process. Parents prioritized the symptoms they believed would increase their child's lifespan and improve their perceived quality of life (QoL); these symptoms focused on communicating wants/needs, preventing pain/discomfort, getting around and moving one's body, and enhancing eating/feeding. Although lifespan was highly valued, almost all parents would not desire a longer lifespan without acceptable child QoL. Parents indicated high caregiver burden and progressive reduction in QoL for children with GM1. This novel study of caregiver priorities identified important symptoms for endpoints' selection in patient-focused drug development in the context of high disease impact and unmet treatment needs.

Reporting Individual-Level Research Results from Neurocognitive and Psychological Research in People Living with HIV: Lessons from Dementia Research.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There are growing expectations for the return of individual-level research results (RoR), which promotes autonomy and potential clinical and personal benefits. There are ethical and practical challenges, however, that may be exacerbated in research that assesses neurocognitive and psychological outcomes, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). This paper reviews central concepts for RoR and recent empirical and conceptual articles from Alzheimer's disorder (AD) as a model for HIV. RECENT FINDINGS: Data from AD studies indicate high participant interest and low risk of harm from RoR, though additional research is needed. Investigators report a range of benefits, potential risks, and feasibility concerns. Standardized, evidence-based approaches are needed for RoR. For HIV research, we recommend a default position of offering RoR for cognitive and psychological outcomes. Investigators should justify decisions not to return results after assessing the potential value and feasibility of RoR. Longitudinal research is needed for feasible and evidence-based best practices.

Misunderstood terms and concepts identified through user testing of educational materials for fragile X premutation: "Not weak or fragile?"

Complicated genetic mechanisms and unpredictable health risks associated with the FMR1 premutation can result in challenges for patient education when the diagnosis is made in a newborn. From October 15, 2018, to December 10, 2021, North Carolina parents could obtain FMR1 premutation results about their newborns through a voluntary expanded newborn screening research study. The study provided confirmatory testing, parental testing, and genetic counseling. We developed web-based educational materials to augment information about fragile X premutation conveyed by a genetic counselor. Many genetics education materials are developed for the lay population. However, relatively little research is published on how well individuals understand these materials. We conducted three rounds of iterative user testing interviews to help refine web-based educational materials that support understanding and self-paced learning. The participants included 25 parents with a 2-year college degree or less and without a child identified with fragile X syndrome, premutation, or gray-zone allele. Content analysis of interview transcripts resulted in iterative changes and ultimately saturation of findings. Across all rounds of interviews, there were two terms that were commonly misunderstood (fragile and carrier) and two terms that elicited initial misconceptions that were overcome by participants. Many also had difficulty understanding the relationship between fragile X premutation and fragile X syndrome as well as appreciating the implications of having a "fragile X gene." Website layout, formatting, and graphics also influenced comprehension. Despite iterative changes to the content, certain issues with understandability persisted. The findings support the need for user testing to identify misconceptions that may interfere with understanding and using genetic information. Here, we describe a process used to develop and refine evidence-based, understandable parental resources on fragile X premutation. Additionally, we provide recommendations to address ongoing educational challenges and discuss the potential impact of bias on the part of expert content developers.

Antibiotics prior to age 2 years have limited association with preschool growth trajectory.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies of early antibiotic use and growth have shown mixed results, primarily on cross-sectional outcomes. This study examined the effect of oral antibiotics before age 24 months on growth trajectory at age 2-5 years. METHODS: We captured oral antibiotic prescriptions and anthropometrics from electronic health records through PCORnet, for children with ≥1 height and weight at 0-12 months of age, ≥1 at 12-30 months, and ≥2 between 25 and 72 months. Prescriptions were grouped into episodes by time and by antimicrobial spectrum. Longitudinal rate regression was used to assess differences in growth rate from 25 to 72 months of age. Models were adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, steroid use, diagnosed asthma, complex chronic conditions, and infections. RESULTS: 430,376 children from 29 health U.S. systems were included, with 58% receiving antibiotics before 24 months. Exposure to any antibiotic was associated with an average 0.7% (95% CI 0.5, 0.9, p < 0.0001) greater rate of weight gain, corresponding to 0.05 kg additional weight. The estimated effect was slightly greater for narrow-spectrum (0.8% [0.6, 1.1]) than broad-spectrum (0.6% [0.3, 0.8], p < 0.0001) drugs. There was a small dose response relationship between the number of antibiotic episodes and weight gain. CONCLUSION: Oral antibiotic use prior to 24 months of age was associated with very small changes in average growth rate at ages 2-5 years. The small effect size is unlikely to affect individual prescribing decisions, though it may reflect a biologic effect that can combine with others.

Attitudes About Analytic Treatment Interruption (ATI) in HIV Remission Trials with Different Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Resumption Criteria.

HIV remission trials often require temporary stopping of antiretroviral therapy (ART)-an approach called analytic treatment interruption (ATI). Trial designs resulting in viremia raise risks for participants and sexual partners. We conducted a survey on attitudes about remission trials, comparing ART resumption criteria (lower-risk "time to rebound" and higher-risk "sustained viremia") among participants from an acute HIV cohort in Thailand. Analyses included Wilcoxon-Ranks and multivariate logistic analysis. Most of 408 respondents supported ATI trials, with slightly higher approval of, and willingness to participate in, trials using time to rebound versus sustained viremia criteria. Less than half of respondents anticipated disclosing trial participation to partners and over half indicated uncertainty or unwillingness about whether partners would be willing to use PrEP. Willingness to participate was higher among those who rated higher trial approval, lower anticipated burden, and those expecting to make the decision independently. Our findings support acceptability of ATI trials among most respondents. Participant attitudes and anticipated behaviors, especially related to transmission risk, have implications for future trial design and informed consent.

Preparing newborn screening for the future: a collaborative stakeholder engagement exploring challenges and opportunities to modernizing the newborn screening system.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Projections that 60 transformative cell and gene therapies could be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within 10 years underscore an urgent need to modernize the newborn screening (NBS) system. This study convened expert stakeholders to assess challenges to the NBS system and propose solutions for its modernization. METHODS: NBS stakeholders (researchers, clinicians, state NBS leaders, advocates, industry professionals, and current/former advisory committee members) participated in one of five mixed-stakeholder panel discussions. Prior to panels, participants completed a survey in which they reviewed and ranked NBS challenges generated from relevant literature. During panels, participants deliberated on challenges and explored potential solutions. Pre-panel survey data were analyzed descriptively. Data from panel discussions were analyzed using a rapid qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Median scores of the ranked challenges (1 = most important) reveal the top three most important barriers to address: critical missing data for NBS decision-making (Median = 2), burden on state NBS laboratories (Median = 3), and the amount of time required for state-level implementation of screening for new conditions (Median = 4). Panel discussions were rooted in recurring themes: the infant's well-being should be the focal point; the transformative therapy pipeline, although undeniably positive for individuals with rare diseases, is a threat to NBS capacity; decisions about modernizing NBS should be evidence-based; additional financial support is required but not sufficient for modernization; and modernization will require participation of multiple NBS stakeholders. This final overarching theme is reported in depth, including expertise, coordination, and collaboration challenges facing NBS and novel approaches to oversight, partnership, and coordination that were suggested by participants. CONCLUSIONS: This study engaged representatives from multiple stakeholder groups to generate potential solutions to challenges facing NBS in the United States. These solutions provide a rich starting point for policy makers and other stakeholders who desire to maximize the impact of new transformative therapies for babies, families, and society.

Leveraging electronic health records to inform genetic counseling practice surrounding psychiatric disorders.

Since nearly one-fifth of US adults have a psychiatric disorder, genetic counselors (GCs) will see many patients with these indications. However, GCs' reports of inadequate preparation and low confidence in providing care for patients with psychiatric disorders can limit their ability to meet patient's needs. How frequently psychiatric disorders present in GC sessions is currently unclear. Here, we used deidentified electronic health records (EHR) to estimate the prevalence of 16 psychiatric disorders. In 7,155 GC patients, 34% had a diagnostic code associated with a psychiatric disorder; 23% with anxiety/phobic disorders; 21% with mood disorder/depression; 5% with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and 1% with psychotic disorders. Compared to 415,709 demographically matched controls, GC patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders (GC prevalence: 34%, matched prevalence: 30%, p-value < 0.0001) driven predominantly by anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD. Within GC specialties (prenatal: n = 2,674, cancer: n = 1,474, pediatric: n = 465), only pediatric GC patients showed a significant increase in psychiatric disorder prevalence overall (pediatric GC prevalence: 28%, matched prevalence: 13%, p-value < 0.0001). However, significant evidence of increased prevalence existed for generalized anxiety disorder (prenatal GC prevalence 6.4%, matched prevalence: 4.9%, p-value < 0.0001), anxiety disorders (cancer GC prevalence: 26%, matched prevalence: 21%, p-value < 0.0001 and pediatric GC prevalence: 12%, matched prevalence: 5.5%), and ADHD (pediatric GC prevalence: 18%, matched prevalence: 7.9%, p-value < 0.0001). These results highlight the need for additional guidance around care for patients with psychiatric disorders and the value of EHR-based research in genetic counseling.

"If He Has it, We Know What to Do": Parent Perspectives on Familial Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Predictive testing for familial disorders can guide healthcare and reproductive decisions. Familial disorders with onset in childhood (e.g., autism spectrum disorder [ASD]) are promising targets for presymptomatic prediction; however, little is known about parent perceptions of risk to their children in the presymptomatic period. The current study examined risk perceptions in parents of infants at high familial risk for ASD enrolled in a longitudinal study of brain and behavior development. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 37 parents of high-risk infants during the presymptomatic window (3-15 months) that precedes an ASD diagnosis. Infants were identified as high familial risk due to having an older sibling with ASD. Parent interview responses were coded and interpreted to distill emerging themes. RESULTS: The majority of parents were aware of the increased risk of ASD for their infants, and risk perceptions were influenced by comparisons to their older child with ASD. Parents reported a variety of negative emotions in response to perceived risk, including worry, fear, and sadness, and described impacts of perceived risk on their behavior: increased vigilance to emerging symptoms, altered reproductive and healthcare decisions, and seeking ongoing assessment through research. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children at high familial risk for childhood-onset disorders like ASD face a period of challenging uncertainty during early development. In anticipation of a future in which presymptomatic testing for ASD is made available, it is important to understand how parents react to and cope with the elevated-but still highly uncertain-risk conveyed by family history.

Uncertainty, hope, and coping efficacy among mothers of children with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy.

Uncertainty is a challenging aspect of caring for children with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophies (DBMD). Although uncertainty is often perceived as a state to be avoided, hope may influence caregivers' perceptions of uncertainty as opportunity. The goal of this cross-sectional quantitative study was to pilot a novel measure of state-based hope, and test relationships among uncertainty, hope, spirituality, and coping efficacy in mothers of children with DBMD. Mothers (n = 202) were recruited through DuchenneConnect, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, and Cincinnati's Children Hospital. A one-component solution for the novel Parent Hope Scale explained 44.3% of the variance, and the measure showed high internal consistency. Higher hope (P < 0.001), further disease progression (P = 0.042), and older mother's age (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with lower perceptions of uncertainty. Mothers reporting less hope (P < 0.001), higher perceptions of uncertainty (P < 0.001), and less spirituality (P = 0.001) reported lower coping efficacy. As such, hope appears to be a key variable in shaping uncertainty appraisals and facilitating coping efficacy. While further research is needed, counseling aimed at bolstering hope, particularly among less-hopeful mothers, and interventions to reappraise uncertainty, may be helpful in promoting coping efficacy.

Barriers and facilitators to clinical trial participation among parents of children with pediatric neuromuscular disorders.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pediatric rare disease presents a challenging situation of high unmet need and a limited pool of potential clinical trial participants. Understanding perspectives of parents of children who have not participated in trials may facilitate approaches to optimize participation rates. The objective of this study was to explore factors associated with parental interest in enrolling children with pediatric neuromuscular disorders in clinical trials. METHODS: Parents of individuals with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy were recruited through advocacy organizations, a registry, and clinics. These parents ( N = 203) completed a questionnaire including assessments of barriers and facilitators to clinical trial participation, parents' interest in trial participation, and their perceptions of others' views about participation in a clinical trial. RESULTS: Trial interest in participating parents was high (64% combined group). The most highly endorsed barrier to participation was the possibility of receiving placebo, followed by not having enough information on risks and trial procedures. Compared to parents of children with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy, parents of children with spinal muscular atrophy endorsed significantly more information and knowledge barriers. The greatest facilitators of participation were (1) confidence in improving disease understanding and (2) guarantee to receive the treatment after a successful trial. A logistic regression model, χ2 (4, n = 188) = 80.64, p < .001, indicated that higher perceived barriers and more frequent trial communication by the provider were associated with lower interest, while positive trial perceptions by the child's providers and concordance in trial perceptions among those close to the decision-maker were associated with higher interest. CONCLUSION: We found high parental interest in pediatric neuromuscular trials that was tempered by concerns about the potential for randomization to a placebo arm. Participants perceived that their trial participation would be facilitated by additional education and guidance from their clinicians. Yet, intentions were negatively associated with frequency of provider communication, perhaps reflecting waning parental interest with a greater understanding of limitations in trial access, increased sophistication in their understanding of trial design, and appreciation of potential burden. To support parents' informed decisions, it is important to educate them to evaluate the quality of research, as well as providing lay information explaining the use of placebo, trial processes, and potential barriers to long-term drug access. Our findings should inform the development of targeted educational content, clinician training, and decision support tools.

Ethics of treatment interruption trials in HIV cure research: addressing the conundrum of risk/benefit assessment.

Though antiretroviral therapy is the standard of care for people living with HIV, its treatment limitations, burdens, stigma and costs lead to continued interest in HIV cure research. Early-phase cure trials, particularly those that include analytic treatment interruption (ATI), involve uncertain and potentially high risk, with minimal chance of clinical benefit. Some question whether such trials should be offered, given the risk/benefit imbalance, and whether those who choose to participate are acting rationally. We address these questions through a longitudinal decision-making study nested in a Thai acute HIV research cohort.In-depth interviews revealed central themes about decisions to join. Participants felt they possessed an important identity as members of the acute cohort, viewing their bodies as uniquely suited to both testing and potentially benefiting from HIV cure approaches. While acknowledging risks of ATI, most perceived they were given an opportunity to interrupt treatment, to test their own bodies and increase normalcy in a safe, highly monitored circumstance. They were motivated by potential benefits to themselves, the investigators and larger acute cohort, and others with HIV. They believed their own trial experiences and being able to give back to the community were sufficient to offset participation risks.These decisions were driven by the specific circumstances experienced by our participants. Judging risk/benefit ratios without appreciating these lived experiences can lead to false determinations of irrational decision- making. While this does not minimise vital oversight considerations about risk reduction and protection from harm, it argues for inclusion of a more participant-centered approach.

Psychosocial Needs and Facilitators of Mothers Caring for Children with Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Care guidelines for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) include recommendations for assessment of caregivers of patients with DBMD followed by proactive psychosocial interventions. To inform clinical assessment, this study described appraisals of psychosocial needs and caregiving facilitators of mothers of individuals with DBMD. Two hundred and five mothers completed an online survey. More than 50% endorsed unmet needs for managing uncertainty about the future and managing DBMD fears. Higher levels of unmet need were associated with less disease progression/earlier stage of DBMD (rho = -0.166 p = 0.02). Twenty-one percent regularly used respite care and 57% worried about allowing others to care for their child. Highly-endorsed care facilitators included partner relationships (63%), child's approach to life (59%), and family relationships (49%). Our findings highlight the importance of psychological and social support for caregivers. Starting when children are young, clinicians should assess caregivers' unmet psychological needs, particularly uncertainty and fear. Exploring needs and facilitators may allow clinics to target and customize interventions that build upon existing strengths and supports. Our findings have implications for efforts to promote early diagnosis and newborn screening, in that increased needs in mothers of younger children should be anticipated and built into counseling. Further research can assess whether and how unmet needs change as new therapies become available.

An Evidence-Based, Community-Engaged Approach to Develop an Interactive Deliberation Tool for Pediatric Neuromuscular Trials.

Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are rare neuromuscular disorders that present challenges to therapeutic and clinical trial decision making. We developed an interactive, evidence-based online tool designed to encourage thoughtful deliberation of the pros and cons of trial participation and to inform meaningful discussions with healthcare providers. Prior research demonstrates the importance of tool availability at the time each family is considering trial participation, which may be prior to the informed consent process. The tool is intended to be easily modified to other pediatric disease communities. Tool development was informed by prior qualitative research, literature reviews, and stakeholder input. Specific items were derived based on an online exploratory questionnaire of parents whose children participated in a trial for DBMD or SMA to understand motivations for participation. Parent participants in the exploratory survey reported strong impact of altruistic and individual benefit motivations and placed much greater emphasis on anticipated trial benefits than on harms when making participation decisions. We used this data to develop the evidence-based deliberation tool using a community-engaged approach. We initially targeted the tool for DBMD while using SMA survey data to evaluate ease of transition to that population. We conducted two iterative sets of activities to inform development and refinement of the tool: (1) community engagement of key stakeholders and (2) user experience testing. These activities suggest that the tool may increase deliberation and the weighing of benefits and harms. Ongoing evaluation will determine the acceptability and efficacy of this online intervention.

Patient-centered benefit-risk assessment in duchenne muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION: This study quantified caregiver and patient preferences for a therapeutic agent with demonstrated pulmonary benefits for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Caregiver and patient differences were also explored. METHODS: A best-worst scaling survey (BWS) was administered to caregivers and patients. Across 9 profiles, respondents selected the best and worst attributes. Utility scores were estimated using mixed logistic regression. RESULTS: Respondents indicated greatest preference for therapies that maintain their current level of cough strength for 10 years or for 2 years. Preference scores for risks were low: 50% chance of diarrhea and 4 additional blood draws per year. CONCLUSION: There is a strong preference for pulmonary benefit and willingness to trade off risks and burden to achieve these benefits. In exchange for maintaining cough strength for 10 years, respondents were willing to tolerate high probabilities of diarrhea and additional blood draws. Muscle Nerve 55: 626-634, 2017.

Recognition and management of motor delay and muscle weakness in children.

Diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders in young children is often delayed for years after symptoms emerge, resulting in missed opportunities for therapy and genetic counseling. Identification of the weak child begins with careful attention to caregiver concerns and developmental surveillance at well-child visits. Family and medical histories can differentiate inherited from acquired causes of weakness. Physical examination should include observation of ageappropriate motor skills such as pull-to-sit, sitting, rising to stand, and walking/running. Serum creatine kinase levels should always be measured in children exhibiting neuromuscular weakness. Referrals to early intervention programs should not be postponed pending definitive diagnosis. If motor delay does not improve with early intervention, referral to a pediatric neurologist for diagnostic assessment is recommended. Tongue fasciculations, loss of motor milestones, or creatine kinase level greater than three times the normal limit should prompt immediate neurology referral. Once a neuromuscular disorder is diagnosed, the primary care clinician can help the family navigate subspecialty visits and consultations, advocate for services in the school and home, and help them cope with the emotional stresses of caring for a child with special needs.

Expectations and experiences of investigators and parents involved in a clinical trial for Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: The social context of rare disease research is changing, with increased community engagement around drug development and clinical trials. This engagement may benefit patients and families but may also lead to heightened trial expectations and therapeutic misconception. Clinical investigators are also susceptible to harboring high expectations. Little is known about parental motivations and expectations for clinical trials for rare pediatric disorders. PURPOSE: We describe the experience of parents and clinical investigators involved in a phase II clinical trial for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy: their expectations, hopes, motivations, and reactions to the termination of the trial. METHODS: This qualitative study was based on interviews with clinical investigators and parents of sons with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) who participated in the phase IIa or IIb ataluren clinical trial in the United States. Interviews were transcribed and coded for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants were 12 parents of affected boys receiving active drug and 9 clinical investigators. High trial expectations of direct benefit were reported by parents and many clinicians. Investigators described monitoring and managing parents' expectations; several worried about their own involvement in increasing parents' expectations. Most parents were able to differentiate their expectations from their optimistic hopes for a cure. Parents' expectations arose from other parents, advocacy organizations, and the sponsor. All parents reported some degree of clinical benefit to their children. Secondary benefits were hopefulness and powerful feelings associated with active efforts to affect the disease course. Parents and clinical investigators reported strong, close relationships that were mutually important. Parents and clinicians felt valued by the sponsor for the majority of the trial. When the trial abruptly stopped, they described loss of engagement, distress, and feeling unprepared for the possibility of trial termination. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study of one clinical trial. We were unable to recruit participants whose children received placebo. The interviews occurred during a time of significant uncertainty and distress for many of the participants. CONCLUSION: This pilot study reflects complex outcomes of strong community engagement. The findings highlight a need for renewed education about, and support for, clinical trial termination and loss of drug access. The primary positive outcome was demonstration of strong relationships among committed parents and study teams. These relationships were highly valued by both parties and may suggest an ideal intervention opportunity for efforts to improve psychological well-being. A negative outcome attributed, in part, to community engagement was inappropriately high trial expectations. More optimistically, high expectations were attributed, in part, to the importance of hope and powerful feelings associated with active efforts to affect the disease course.