A new UCLA study addresses a gap in care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).
According to a press release, genetic testing for these patients could result in “in more individualized care, including changes in medication, referrals to clinical trials or specialists, and surveillance for potential medical issues.”
The study was published in Genetics in Medicine.
Of the 316 medical charts reviewed, 246 patients had genetic testing done. 42% of patients who had genetic testing “had or likely had a diagnosis of a rare genetic condition. This genetic diagnosis led to medication changes in 14% of patients, a clinical trial referral in 3% of patients, and changes in medical surveillance for 30% of patients. The study also found that genetic testing led to specialty referrals in 70% of patients, with cardiac and gastrointestinal issues being the most common.”
The researchers work at the CARING clinic, according to the release.
