Reduced Uptake of Family Screening in Genotype-Negative Versus Genotype-Positive Long QT Syndrome

J Genet Couns. 2015 Aug;24(4):558-64. doi: 10.1007/s10897-014-9776-6. Epub 2014 Oct 3.

Abstract

The acceptance and yield of family screening in genotype-negative long QT syndrome (LQTS) remains incompletely characterized. In this study of family screening for phenotype-definite Long QT Syndrome (LQTS, Schwartz score ≥3.5), probands at a regional Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmia clinic were reviewed. All LQTS patients were offered education by a qualified genetic counselor, along with materials for family screening including electronic and paper correspondence to provide to family members. Thirty-eight qualifying probands were identified and 20 of these had family members who participated in cascade screening. The acceptance of screening was found to be lower among families without a known pathogenic mutation (33 vs. 77 %, p = 0.02). A total of 52 relatives were screened; fewer relatives were screened per index case when the proband was genotype-negative (1.7 vs. 3.1, p = 0.02). The clinical yield of screening appeared to be similar irrespective of gene testing results (38 vs. 33 %, p = 0.69). Additional efforts to promote family screening among gene-negative long QT families may be warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling / psychology
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • London
  • Long QT Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Long QT Syndrome / genetics*
  • Long QT Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Long QT Syndrome / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care* / psychology
  • Phenotype