Genetic testing preferences in families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy. Issue 11 (29th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Okeke, Janice O.; Tangel, Virginia E.; Sorge, Shawn T.; Hesdorffer, Dale C.; Winawer, Melodie R.; Goldsmith, Jeff; Phelan, Jo C.; Chung, Wendy K.; Shostak, Sara; Ottman, Ruth
• Is Part Of: Epilepsia. Volume 55:Issue 11(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1705
• Page End: 1713
• Publication Date: 2014-09-29
• Subjects: Epilepsy -- Periodicals; 616.853
• DOI: 10.1111/epi.12810
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-9580

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="epi12810-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="epi12810-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To examine genetic testing preferences in families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy.</p> </sec> <sec id="epi12810-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>One hundred forty‐three individuals with epilepsy and 165 biologic relatives without epilepsy from families containing multiple affected individuals were surveyed using a self‐administered questionnaire. Four genetic testing scenarios were presented, defined by penetrance (100% vs. 50%) and presence or absence of clinical utility. Potential predictors of genetic testing preferences were evaluated using generalized estimating equations with robust Poisson regression models. The influence of 21 potential testing motivations was also assessed.</p> </sec> <sec id="epi12810-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>For the scenario with 100% penetrance and clinical utility, 85% of individuals with epilepsy and 74% of unaffected relatives responded that they would definitely or probably want genetic testing. For the scenario with 100% penetrance but without clinical utility, the proportions who responded that they would want testing were significantly lower in both affected individuals (69%) and unaffected relatives (57%). Penetrance (100% vs. 50%) was not a significant predictor of genetic testing interest. The highest‐ranking motivations for genetic testing were the following: the possibility that the results could improve health or health care, the potential to know if epilepsy in the family is caused by a gene, and the possibility of changing behavior or lifestyle to prevent seizures.</p> </sec> <sec id="epi12810-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Significance</title> <p>Interest in epilepsy genetic testing may be high in affected and unaffected individuals in families containing multiple individuals with epilepsy, especially when testing has implications for improving clinical care.</p> </sec> </abstract>