Next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of patients with congenital multiple anomalies and / or intellectual disabilities

Background : In clinical practice, a large proportion of patients with multiple congenital anomalies and/or intellectual disabilities (MCA/ID) lacks a specific diagnosis. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become an efficient strategy for genetic diagnosis of patients with MCA/ID. Objective : To review the utility of NGS for the diagnosis of patients with MCA/ID. Method : Patients with MCA/ID were recruited between 2013 and 2017. Molecular diagnosis was performed using NGS-based targeted panel sequencing for 4,813 genes. Promising causative variants underwent confirmation by Sanger sequencing or chromosomal microarray. Results : Eighteen patients with MCA/ID were enrolled in this study. Of them, 8 cases (44%) were diagnosed by targeted panel sequencing. Most of diagnosed patients were able to receive better counseling and more appropriate medical management. Conclusion : NGS-based targeted panel sequencing seems to be an effective testing strategy for diagnosis of patients with MCA/ID.