Uptake of carrier testing in families after cystic fibrosis diagnosis through newborn screening

Eur J Hum Genet. 2010 Oct;18(10):1084-9. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2010.78. Epub 2010 May 26.

Abstract

Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) provides the opportunity for cascade carrier testing of relatives. Uptake of testing by adult non-parent relatives of children diagnosed with CF through NBS has not been previously described, and this study describes uptake by both parents and adult non-parent relatives in Victoria, Australia. Pedigrees were taken from parents of children who were born in 2000-2004 and diagnosed with CF. A total of 40 families were eligible for the study and 30 (75%) were recruited. In all, 716 non-parent relatives were identified from the pedigrees as eligible for carrier testing, and 82 (adjusted uptake percentage: 11.8%; 95% confidence interval 8.0-15.7) have had carrier testing by March 2009. On average, 2.7 non-parent relatives per family had CF carrier testing after diagnosis through NBS. The odds of being tested were greater for females than males (adjusted odds ratio 1.61; 95% confidence interval 1.11-2.33; P=0.01) and greater for those more closely related to the child with CF (adjusted odds ratio 5.17; 95% confidence interval 2.38-11.24; P<0.001). Most relatives who undergo testing are tested immediately after the baby's diagnosis; however, some testing is undertaken up to 8 years later. These results indicate that in a clinical setting, the diagnosis of a baby with CF by NBS does not lead to carrier testing for the majority of the baby's non-parent relatives. We suggest re-contact with parents to offer cascade carrier testing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Australia
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator*
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / diagnosis
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / genetics
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / prevention & control
  • Data Collection
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Dystonic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Dystonic Disorders / prevention & control
  • Family*
  • Female
  • Genetic Carrier Screening*
  • Genetic Counseling
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Life Expectancy
  • Male
  • Neonatal Screening*
  • Parents
  • Pedigree

Substances

  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator