IMPACT-FH Study for Implementing Innovative Family Communication and Cascade Testing Strategies for Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

BackgroundRelatives of probands diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) should undergo cascade testing for FH. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate probands’ choices of innovative strategies to communicate their FH result with relatives and facilitate cascade testing uptake. MethodsProbands with an FH genetic result from the MyCode Community Health Initiative could choose to share their FH result with adult blood relatives via the Family and Healthcare Professional Packet (packet), family sharing and cascade chatbots (chatbot), and/or FH Outreach and Support Program (direct contact). Cascade testing uptake was measured as reported completion of genetic or cholesterol testing. Generalized estimating equations models were used to identify factors associated with testing. ResultsA total of 175 probands received an FH result, median age was 58.9 (IQR: 44.9-69.3) years, and 58.9% were female. Probands shared information about 1,915 adult and 163 minor relatives (11.9 relatives per proband). Seventy percent of probands (121/175) selected at least one strategy for at least one adult relative. An average of 1.2 strategies was selected per adult relative. Cascade testing was completed for 26.6% (144/541) of adults with at least one strategy selected, 2.4% (33/1,374) of adults without a strategy selected, and 25.2% (41/163) of minor relatives. Factors associated with increased cascade testing uptake were selection of at least one strategy (6.32 higher odds), specifically, selection of direct contact (16.78 higher odds). ConclusionsStrategies implemented improved FH cascade testing uptake compared to previous estimates and in families where no strategy was selected. Overall uptake remains insufficient, which can be attributed to probands reluctance to select a strategy for many relatives.