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01-02-2018 | Original Research

The Psychosocial Impact of Carrying a Debated Variant in the GLA Gene

Authors: Sarah Macklin, Dawn Laney, Emily Lisi, Andrea Atherton, Elizabeth Smith

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

The clinical significance of the c.427G>A (p.A143T) variant in GLA is a topic of debate within the lysosomal storage disease community. A review of the literature and published case reports found the clinical impact of the variant to range from classic Fabry symptoms to healthy unaffected males with normal alpha- galactosidase enzyme levels, leaving clinicians unsure of how to manage these individuals. As the number of states testing for Fabry disease on their newborn screening panel has increased, more people with this variant are being identified. The goal of this project was to learn how the uncertainty surrounding the clinical significance of the p.A143T variant affects those with this change. A self-response questionnaire was developed to explore this topic. In addition to evaluating participant feelings, the questionnaire explored individuals’ beliefs regarding the pathogenicity of the variant. Results suggest that people have diverse feelings regarding reclassification of the p.A143T variant. Around half of those surveyed reported feeling frustrated by the lack of clear information. Despite the ambiguity regarding the health consequences of this variant, many participants felt that knowing this result helps guide medical management.

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Title: The Psychosocial Impact of Carrying a Debated Variant in the GLA Gene
Authors: Sarah Macklin
Dawn Laney
Emily Lisi
Andrea Atherton
Elizabeth Smith
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-017-0139-y

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