Role of next generation sequencing in diagnosis and management of critically ill children with suspected monogenic disorder.

Abstract

Next generation sequencing based diagnosis has emerged as a promising tool for evaluating critically ill neonates and children. However, there is limited data on its utility in developing countries. We assessed its diagnostic rate and clinical impact on management of pediatric patients with a suspected genetic disorder requiring critical care. The study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital in Northern India. We analyzed 70 children with an illness requiring intensive care and obtained a precise molecular diagnosis in 32 of 70 probands (45.3%) using diverse sequencing techniques such as clinical exome, whole exome, and whole genome. A significant change in clinical outcome was observed in 13 of 32 (40.6%) diagnosed probands with a change in medication in 11 subjects and redirection to palliative care in two subjects. Additional benefits included specific dietary management (three cases), avoidance of a major procedure (one case) and better reproductive counseling. Dramatic therapeutic responses were observed in three cases with SCN1A, SCN2A and KCNQ2-related epileptic encephalopathy. A delayed turn-around for sequencing results was perceived as a major limiting factor in the study, as rapid and ultra-rapid sequencing was not available. Achieving a precise molecular diagnosis has great utility in managing critically ill patients with suspected genetic disorders in developing countries.