Developmental and behavioral pediatricians' attitudes toward screening for fragile X.
Developmental and behavioral pediatricians (DBP) diagnose and care for children with fragile X syndrome. Their attitudes toward FMR1 newborn screening (NBS) and FMR1 carrier testing in childhood could highlight potential pitfalls with FMR1 NBS. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with an adjusted response rate of 61%. Among DBP, 74% supported universal FMR1 NBS, preferring to identify both full mutations and premutations. DBP also support FMR1 testing of asymptomatic siblings. Although DBP support testing for premutations at various points in the lifespan, DBP are not familiar with the array of fragile X-associated disorders (FXAD). Targeted educational interventions are needed to ensure that all health care providers have the knowledge and competence to consent and to counsel families on FXAD.
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. kacharya@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu
Kruti
K
Acharya
Abigail
A
Schindler
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 / Q000235:genetics*; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D015997:Neonatal Screening; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D012955:Societies, Medical
D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1; C497683:FMR1 protein, human