Genetic Evaluation of A Nation-Wide Dutch Pediatric DCM Cohort: The Use of Genetic Testing in Risk Stratification

Marijke H van der Meulen, Johanna C Herkert, Susanna L den Boer, Gideon J du Marchie Sarvaas, Nico Blom, Arend D J Ten Harkel, Hans M P J Breur, Lukas A J Rammeloo, Ronald Tanke, Carlo Marcelis, Ingrid M B H van de Laar, Judith M A Verhagen, Ronald H Lekanne Dit Deprez, Daniela Q C M Barge-Schaapveld, Annette Baas, Arjan Sammani, Imke Christiaans, J Peter van Tintelen, Michiel Dalinghaus

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the current practice and results of genetic evaluation in Dutch children with dilated cardiomyopathy and to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations that may guide prognosis.

METHODS: We performed a multicenter observational study in children diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, from 2010 to 2017.

RESULTS: One hundred forty-four children were included. Initial diagnostic categories were idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in 67 children (47%), myocarditis in 23 (16%), neuromuscular in 7 (5%), familial in 18 (13%), inborn error of metabolism in 4 (3%), malformation syndrome in 2 (1%), and "other" in 23 (16%). Median follow-up time was 2.1 years [IQR 1.0-4.3]. Hundred-seven patients (74%) underwent genetic testing. We found a likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant in 38 children (36%), most often in MYH7 (n = 8). In 1 patient initially diagnosed with myocarditis, a pathogenic LMNA variant was found. During the study, 39 patients (27%) reached study endpoint (SE: all-cause death or heart transplantation). Patients with a likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant were more likely to reach SE compared with those without (hazard ratio 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-5.8, P = 0.007), while transplant-free survival was significantly lower ( P = 0.006). Clinical characteristics at diagnosis did not differ between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Genetic testing is a valuable tool for predicting prognosis in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, with carriers of a likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant having a worse prognosis overall. Genetic testing should be incorporated in clinical work-up of all children with dilated cardiomyopathy regardless of presumed disease pathogenesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)375-385
Number of pages11
JournalCirculation. Genomic and precision medicine
Volume15
Issue number5
Early online date30 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2022

Keywords

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/diagnosis
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Testing
  • Humans
  • Myocarditis/genetics
  • Risk Assessment
  • cardiomyopathy, dilated
  • genetic testing
  • pediatric cardiology

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