TY - JOUR
T1 - Towards Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-Based Newborn Screening
T2 - A Technical Study to Prepare for the Challenges Ahead
AU - Veldman, Abigail
AU - Kiewiet, Mensiena B. G.
AU - Heiner-Fokkema, Margaretha Rebecca
AU - Nelen, Marcel R.
AU - Sinke, Richard J.
AU - Sikkema-Raddatz, Birgit
AU - Voorhoeve, Els
AU - Westra, Dineke
AU - Dolle, Martijn E. T.
AU - Schielen, Peter C. J.
AU - van Spronsen, Francjan J.
PY - 2022/3
Y1 - 2022/3
N2 - Newborn screening (NBS) aims to identify neonates with severe conditions for whom immediate treatment is required. Currently, a biochemistry-first approach is used to identify these disorders, which are predominantly inherited metalbolic disorders (IMD). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is expected to have some advantages over the current approach, for example the ability to detect IMDs that meet all screening criteria but lack an identifiable biochemical footprint. We have now designed a technical study to explore the use of NGS techniques as a first-tier approach in NBS. Here, we describe the aim and set-up of the NGS-first for the NBS (NGSf4NBS) project, which will proceed in three steps. In Step 1, we will identify IMDs eligible for NGS-first testing, based on treatability. In Step 2, we will investigate the feasibility, limitations and comparability of different technical NGS approaches and analysis workflows for NBS, eventually aiming to develop a rapid NGS-based workflow. Finally, in Step 3, we will prepare for the incorporation of this workflow into the existing Dutch NBS program and propose a protocol for referral of a child after a positive NGS test result. The results of this study will be the basis for an additional analytical route within NBS that will be further studied for its applicability within the NBS program, e.g., regarding the ethical, legal, financial and social implications.
AB - Newborn screening (NBS) aims to identify neonates with severe conditions for whom immediate treatment is required. Currently, a biochemistry-first approach is used to identify these disorders, which are predominantly inherited metalbolic disorders (IMD). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is expected to have some advantages over the current approach, for example the ability to detect IMDs that meet all screening criteria but lack an identifiable biochemical footprint. We have now designed a technical study to explore the use of NGS techniques as a first-tier approach in NBS. Here, we describe the aim and set-up of the NGS-first for the NBS (NGSf4NBS) project, which will proceed in three steps. In Step 1, we will identify IMDs eligible for NGS-first testing, based on treatability. In Step 2, we will investigate the feasibility, limitations and comparability of different technical NGS approaches and analysis workflows for NBS, eventually aiming to develop a rapid NGS-based workflow. Finally, in Step 3, we will prepare for the incorporation of this workflow into the existing Dutch NBS program and propose a protocol for referral of a child after a positive NGS test result. The results of this study will be the basis for an additional analytical route within NBS that will be further studied for its applicability within the NBS program, e.g., regarding the ethical, legal, financial and social implications.
KW - next-generation sequencing
KW - first-tier
KW - heel prick
KW - dried blood spot
KW - inherited metabolic disorders
KW - inborn errors of metabolism
KW - newborn screening
KW - IDENTIFICATION
KW - DATABASE
KW - CONSENT
KW - CUSTOM
KW - EXOME
U2 - 10.3390/ijns8010017
DO - 10.3390/ijns8010017
M3 - Article
SN - 2409-515X
VL - 8
JO - International journal of neonatal screening
JF - International journal of neonatal screening
IS - 1
M1 - 17
ER -