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Published on: May 5, 2018
Cardiogenetic counselling in a non-university hospital
J Kodde1, N Hofman, C L A Reichert
1Department of Cardiology, Medical Centre Alkmaar, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
Insights
Cardiogenetic diseases are common in cardiology practice. This study shows genetic counseling can be successfully implemented in non-university hospitals, benefiting patients and families.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Medical Practice
Background:
- Inherited heart disease is increasingly prevalent in cardiology.
- Genetic counseling is currently limited to university hospitals.
- This study examines cardiogenetic counseling in a non-university setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience of cardiogenetic counseling in a non-university hospital.
- To assess the feasibility and outcomes of genetic counseling outside specialized centers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient records.
- Inclusion of index patients and their family members.
- DNA testing and molecular genetic diagnosis.
Main Results:
- 83 index patients received counseling.
- 26 out of 65 DNA tests were positive for hereditary cardiovascular disease.
- 47 molecular genetic diagnoses were confirmed in 120 family members screened.
Conclusions:
- Cardiogenetic diseases are a significant part of daily cardiology.
- Genetic counseling can be effectively provided in general hospitals.
- Collaboration between university and non-university hospitals offers patient benefits.
Background:
Inherited heart disease is becoming a substantial part of everyday cardiology practice while genetic counselling still only takes place at university hospitals. In this study we review our seven-year experience with cardiogenetic counselling in a non-university hospital.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of patient records.
Results:
A total number of 83 index patients were counselled. In 65 patients DNA tests were performed, resulting in 26 positive tests. In all patients with genotype confirmation of hereditary cardiovascular disease and in 32 families without a molecular diagnosis, family screening was advised. Out of 120 subsequently tested family members, 47 molecular genetic diagnoses were confirmed.
Conclusion:
Although the number of patients reviewed was small, our data show that cardiogenetic diseases are part of daily cardiology practice. We believe counselling should be performed in more general hospitals. This is an excellent opportunity for collaboration between university and nonuniversity hospitals, with immediate benefit for patients and their relatives. (Neth Heart J 2007;15:412-4.).
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