Lecture 25- Integrated Approach to a genetic disorder: Cystic Fibrosis Flashcards
Screening process
Heal prick done after birth
20+ metabolic disorders tested, 45babies/year found. Info goes to midwife.
Cystic Fibrosis
CF is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is caused by the presence of mutations in both copies of the gene for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This is a chloride channel involved in mucus formation. When mutated the Cl can’t leave the cell, so Na+ and therefore water also remains> thick sticky mucus
New born screening for CF
1) Blood test for trypsin (pancreatic enzyme): Thick secretions 1st block pancreatic duct, enzymes can’t move into GI tract and will instead by found in the blood stream
2) if high > three common CF genes
Family have had first baby Zak, get a letter that their baby has CF/is a carrier. What do they wan’t to know?
Does he has disease or is he a carrier?
What is CF?
What will happen?
Can he be treated?
If Zak is positive on the newborn screen, the next testing steps are..
1) Sweat test: Much higher NaCl levels
2) Zak’s genetics: for any issues, more specific mutations, double checking he does have CF
3) Stool sample for enzymes: look for trypsin, if not there we immediately start enzyme supplementation so he can digest food
What are issues Zak is going to have to face?
Most common:
Recurrant pneumonia > progressive lung disease
Failure to thrive/poor growth (pancreatic issues)
Other potential Issues all due to thick sticky mucus:
- nasal polyps
- sinusitis
- diabetes
- liverdisease
- gall stones
- portal hypertension
Management of Zaks CF includes
1: History
2: Growth and height
3: Physical signs; chest deformity & finger clubbing
Regular auscultation
Respiratory testing: Oxygen saturation, lung function
Radiology: CT scans, ultrasounds
Check for infection: swabs, mucus, bronchoscopy
Infection risk is common
staph, pseudomonas aeruginosa is common
these change with age
Treatment is centered around
1) Respiratory issues
2) Nutrition Issues
3) Other that may show up
Types of treatment
physiotherapy: to strengthen lungs/clear mucus. kids get tired of it
Exercise
Antibiotics: nebulised (high levels in lungs), oral
Growth & nutrition: Enzyme replacement from birth, and vitamin replacement.
Need a high calorie diet, sometimes gastrostomy feeding required (tube straight to stomach)
Treatment requires huge daily effort/undertaking, strenuous on patient.
It is working, as life expectancy hugely increasing every year.
First Genetic counselling appointment
Review diagnosis, ask questions (many on inheritance), talk about the future
- having more kids
- impact on family (siblings wanting kids)
Testing arranged (check both parents are carriers AR disorder)
Check to see how they are managing
Referrals
Things to Consider for the family
With Genetic Testing
- Important to know which mutation from which side
- but may inadvertantly reveal family relationships
- they need to have the ability to give consent for the testing (informed, for kids a direct benefit for testing is required, who can have access to results)
Distress with diagnosis/loss of ‘perfect’ child
Feelings of guilt for ‘giving this’ to their child
Family Planning
-Can be extremely difficult and distressing
Options are to….
not have more kids, have kids with no more testing, a sperm donor, prenatal testing (CVS and amniocentesis), pre-implantation genetics with IVF
Decisions influenced by ethical, religious beliefs, views on sickness and disability, treatment availability/efficiency, availability of social and financial support for the family.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis with IVF
couples who are eligible can access upto 2 publicaly funded cycles
Criteria: woman under 40, BMI
why is pregnancy not accurate
no eggs recovered no viable embryos results not 100% accurate risk of miscarriage chromosomal abnormalities can occur
