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26-02-2022 | Epilepsy | Original Article

Genetic analysis and identification of novel variations in Chinese patients with pediatric epilepsy by whole-exome sequencing

Authors: Xuechao Zhao, Haofeng Ning, Yanhong Wang, Ganye Zhao, Shiyue Mei, Ning Liu, Conghui Wang, Aojie Cai, Erhu Wei, Xiangdong Kong

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 7/2022

Abstract

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the genetic etiology of epilepsy in children, and to analyze the nature of genetic variation, the function of related genes, and the genotype-phenotype relationship. Moreover, the impact of the genetic diagnosis on prognosis and prenatal diagnosis will be discussed.

Methods

We recruited 218 pediatric epilepsy patients with onset ages ranging from postnatal 5 days to 3 years during a three-year collection period. WES was conducted only for the probands to screen for possible candidate genes.

Results

A total of 55 patients (25.2%) had positive genetic diagnoses. Autosomal dominant gene variants were the most common (34/55; 61.8%) and de novo variants (31/34; 91.2%) consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Among 64 variants identified in 35 genes, 33 (51.6%) were novel, previously unreported. Ion channel genes play critical roles in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, accounting for 58.8% (20/34) of the variants. A total of 31 (56.4%) families chose to have a prenatal diagnosis in subsequent pregnancies based on the genetic diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that applying WES in patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology can improve counseling and management. Early establishment of genetic diagnosis was necessary for counseling on recurrence risk and prenatal diagnosis. A large number of unreported variants were detected, widening the known spectrum of genetic variation related to epilepsy risk.

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Title: Genetic analysis and identification of novel variations in Chinese patients with pediatric epilepsy by whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Xuechao Zhao
Haofeng Ning
Yanhong Wang
Ganye Zhao
Shiyue Mei
Ning Liu
Conghui Wang
Aojie Cai
Erhu Wei
Xiangdong Kong
Publication date: 26-02-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Epilepsy
Encephalopathy
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 7/2022
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-05953-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Genetic analysis and identification of novel variations in Chinese patients with pediatric epilepsy by whole-exome sequencing

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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