%0 Journal Article
%T Fragile X syndrome carrier screening accompanied by genetic consultation has clinical utility in populations beyond those recommended by guidelines.
%A Johansen Taber K
%A Lim-Harashima J
%A Naemi H
%A Goldberg J
%J Mol Genet Genomic Med
%V 7
%N 12
%D 12 2019
%M 31694075
%F 2.473
%R 10.1002/mgg3.1024
%X Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability. Many providers offer preconception or prenatal FXS carrier screening. However, guidelines recommend screening only for those with a family history or undergoing fertility evaluation. Wider screening has been resisted because of concerns about patient understanding of FXS-associated inheritance patterns and phenotypes. Additionally, the clinical utility has been questioned.
We addressed these concerns by analyzing reproductive decision-making and pregnancy management informed by post-test genetic consultation among 122 FMR1 premutation carriers identified by expanded carrier screening.
Sixty-three percent of those screened met guidelines screening criteria; the remaining 37% did not. Ninety-eight percent had undergone post-test genetic consultation. Of respondents screened preconceptionally, 74% reported planning or pursuing actions to reduce the risk of an affected pregnancy; the extent to which couples planned/pursued these actions was not significantly different between those meeting either screening criterion (76%) versus those meeting neither criterion (55%). Of respondents screened prenatally, 41% pursued prenatal diagnostic testing; the extent to which couples pursued prenatal diagnosis was not significantly different between those who met either screening criterion (37%) versus those who met neither criterion (31%).
These results support the expansion of FXS screening criteria in guidelines.