1. Shortcutting the diagnostic odyssey: the multidisciplinary Program for Undiagnosed Rare Diseases in adults (UD-PrOZA).
- Author
-
Schuermans N, Hemelsoet D, Terryn W, Steyaert S, Van Coster R, Coucke PJ, Steyaert W, Callewaert B, Bogaert E, Verloo P, Vanlander AV, Debackere E, Ghijsels J, LeBlanc P, Verdin H, Naesens L, Haerynck F, Callens S, Dermaut B, and Poppe B
- Subjects
- Exome, Genomics, Humans, Exome Sequencing, Rare Diseases diagnosis, Rare Diseases genetics, Undiagnosed Diseases
- Abstract
Background: In order to facilitate the diagnostic process for adult patients suffering from a rare disease, the Undiagnosed Disease Program (UD-PrOZA) was founded in 2015 at the Ghent University Hospital in Belgium. In this study we report the five-year results of our multidisciplinary approach in rare disease diagnostics., Methods: Patients referred by a healthcare provider, in which an underlying rare disease is likely, qualify for a UD-PrOZA evaluation. UD-PrOZA uses a multidisciplinary clinical approach combined with state-of-the-art genomic technologies in close collaboration with research facilities to diagnose patients., Results: Between 2015 and 2020, 692 patients (94% adults) were referred of which 329 (48%) were accepted for evaluation. In 18% (60 of 329) of the cases a definite diagnosis was made. 88% (53 of 60) of the established diagnoses had a genetic origin. 65% (39 of 60) of the genetic diagnoses were made through whole exome sequencing (WES). The mean time interval between symptom-onset and diagnosis was 19 years. Key observations included novel genotype-phenotype correlations, new variants in known disease genes and the identification of three new disease genes. In 13% (7 of 53), identifying the molecular cause was associated with therapeutic recommendations and in 88% (53 of 60), gene specific genetic counseling was made possible. Actionable secondary findings were reported in 7% (12 of 177) of the patients in which WES was performed., Conclusion: UD-PrOZA offers an innovative interdisciplinary platform to diagnose rare diseases in adults with previously unexplained medical problems and to facilitate translational research., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF