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Detection and impact of genetic disease in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit
Leanne Hagen1,2, Divya Khattar1,3, Katie Whitehead4
1Deparment of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Objective:
To determine detection rates of genetic disease in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and cost of care.
Study Design:
We divided 2703 neonates, admitted between 2013 and 2016 to a level IV NICU, into two epochs and determined how genetic testing utilization, genetic diagnoses identified, and cost of NICU care changed over time.
Result:
The increasing use of multi-gene panels 104 vs 184 (P = 0.02) and whole exome sequencing (WES) 9 vs 28 (P = 0.03) improved detection of genetic disease, 9% vs 12% (P < 0.01). Individuals with genetic diagnoses had higher mean NICU charges, $723,422 vs $417,013 (P < 0.01) secondary to longer lengths of stay, not genetic services.
Conclusion:
The increased utilization of broad genetic testing improved the detection of genetic disease but contributed minimally to the cost of care while bolstering understanding of the patient's condition and prognosis.
