Genetic Analysis of Uncommon Disease Presentations in Non-US Populations

Background:

Genetics research over the past 20 years has helped researchers find the causes of many diseases. More powerful tools for genetic testing now exist. Researchers want to use these new tools to learn more about genetic diseases. They want to look for possible genetic causes of unusual diseases. They will focus on people who live outside of the United States and whose access to genetic testing has been limited.

Objective:

To look for potential genetic sources of diseases among children and their families.

Eligibility:

Children aged 2 to 18 years and their related family members who have or may have a genetic disease. They will reside primarily outside of the US.

Design:

Participants will be recruited at sites outside of the US. Participants will be screened. Their existing medical records will be reviewed. They will have a physical exam. They will answer questions about their family history and symptoms. Participants will provide samples for genetic testing. They may have blood drawn. They may spit saliva into a small container. They may have a cotton swab rubbed on the inside of the mouth. The samples will be shipped to the NIH for genetic testing. Participants will be notified if testing reveals a known disease. Participants may be asked to provide new samples to confirm the diagnosis. Local study teams will contact the participants about the results. Participants will also be notified if analysis yields gene variants that may cause disease.

Study Description:

We plan to couple novel techniques of genomic interrogation with more traditional methods involved in genetic discovery to investigate a broad range of diseases and conditions in locations without access to medical genetics for which there exists strong evidence that genetic factors are contributory.

Objectives:

Primary Objective: To investigate the genetic contribution to conditions displaying unconventional clinical phenotypes/familial segregation among individuals belonging to historically underrepresented populations.

Secondary Objective: To develop an international collaborative network across countries with limited or no access to medical genetics.

Tertiary/Exploratory Objective: To identify the psychosocial impact and cultural considerations of the diagnostic odyssey in countries without medical genetics access to better inform genetic counseling practices for these populations.

Endpoints:

Primary Endpoint: Exhaustion of available genomic interrogation techniques to determine the etiology of unconventional clinical phenotypes.

Secondary Endpoint: Independence and autonomy when conducting genetic studies among sites with limited to no access to medical genetics.

Tertiary/Exploratory Endpoint: Elucidation of psychosocial impact and cultural considerations for patients with limited access to medical genetics.

Eligibility Criteria:
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

To be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
2. Probands aged \>2 years at enrollment or first-degree relatives of probands (age \>2 years).
3. Suspicion of genetic etiology of illness due to strong family history, precocious onset, severity or mildness of phenotype, or all factors being present.
4. Affected individuals and unaffected family members, determination of clinical criteria for inclusion will be determined by medical record review prior to participation.
5. Ability of participant and their parent or guardian to understand and have willingness to sign a written informed consent and/or assent document.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

1. Anyone unwilling to provide informed consent (for themselves as adults, on behalf of their children as minors, or on behalf of an adult who is unable to provide consent for themselves) or assent.
2. Individuals who have undergone diagnostic testing for a genetic condition AND the test results were positive.
3. Evidence that symptoms are secondary or caused by an undiagnosed condition that is unlikely to have a genetic cause.
4. In the opinion of the investigator, participant has a condition that would preclude participation in the study by interfering with the participant s ability to engage in the required protocol evaluation and testing.