Mainstreaming genomics in paediatrics
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Updated: May 9, 2025

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Danielle Bogue1, Charlotte Douglas2, Edward Miller3
1National Genomics Education Programme, NHS England, Birmingham, UK danielle.bogue@nhs.net.
Insights
Genomic testing offers significant potential for diagnosing and treating rare inherited diseases in children. Integrating these advanced genomic technologies into pediatric care requires addressing workforce training and infrastructure challenges for improved child health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Pediatric Medicine
- Rare Diseases
Background:
- Approximately 80% of rare diseases have an inherited basis, with 75% affecting children.
- Genomic technologies, including whole genome sequencing, are crucial for diagnosing and treating rare pediatric conditions.
- Early genomic screening can enable timely interventions, preventing health deterioration in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the integration of genomic testing into pediatric care.
- To identify challenges and complexities in mainstreaming genomic technologies within the National Health Service (NHS).
- To propose strategies for supporting the pediatric workforce in adopting genomics.
Main Methods:
- Review of current frameworks for genomic testing in pediatrics.
- Analysis of educational and training resources for genomic knowledge.
- Development of future strategies for clinical integration.
Main Results:
- Genomic testing holds immense potential for diagnosing and treating rare pediatric diseases.
- Significant challenges exist in integrating genomics into clinical practice, including workforce adaptation and infrastructure navigation.
- The study outlines frameworks, training, and strategies to embed genomics in pediatric care.
Conclusions:
- The application of genomic technologies in pediatric care is essential for improving outcomes in rare diseases.
- Overcoming implementation challenges is key to realizing the full benefits of genomics in children's health.
- Supporting the pediatric workforce through education and resources is vital for successful genomic integration.
Abstract:
Worldwide, approximately 80% of rare diseases are thought to have an inherited component. Of these, around 75% of the individuals are children. Therefore, the application of genomic technologies in paediatric care is inevitable. Genomic testing approaches such as whole genome sequencing have the potential to diagnose, and therefore treat, children and young people living with rare conditions. The prospective power of genomic screening, enabling interventions before a child's health deteriorates, is arguably even more profound. However, despite the obvious benefits of the use of genomics in paediatrics, there are considerable challenges and complexities associated with the successful integration and mainstreaming of genomic testing, including the impact on ways of working, developing an understanding and knowledge of genomics, and navigating the associated NHS (National Health Service) genomics infrastructure. Here, we set out current frameworks, practical education and training resources, and future strategies which could be adopted to support the paediatric workforce in embedding genomics into clinical practice to ultimately improve child health outcomes.
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