How to approach a neurogenetics diagnosis in different European countries: The European Academy of Neurology Neurogenetics Panel survey.

Publisher: Wiley Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9506311 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1468-1331 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13515101 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Eur J Neurol Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: <2014- > : Oxford : Wiley
Original Publication: Oxford ; New York : Rapid Communications, [1994-

Neurology*/education; Academies and Institutes ; Europe ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Neurologists ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Background and Purpose: Seven thousand rare diseases have been identified; most of them are of genetic origin. The diagnosis of a neurogenetic disease is difficult, and management and training programs are not well defined through Europe. To capture and assess care needs, the Neurogenetics Panel of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) has performed an explorative survey.
Methods: The survey covering multiple topics of neurogenetics was sent to all neurologists and neuropediatricians affiliated with the EAN practicing in Europe.
Results: We collected answers from 239 members based in 40 European member states. Even though most of the responders were aware of neurogenetic diseases, when we came to amenability of carrying out a complete genetic diagnosis, almost one-third of the responders declared they were not happy with the current way of ordering genetic analyses in their countries. Furthermore, although single-gene analysis is diffusely present in Europe, whole exome and genome sequencing are not easily accessible, with considerable variabilities among countries. Almost 10% of the responders did not know if presymptomatic and prenatal diagnosis was available in their countries, and 47.3% were not aware of which newborn screening programs were available. Finally, 96.3% of responders declared that there is a need for education and training in neurogenetics.
Conclusions: We believe that this survey may be of importance for all European stakeholders in neurogenetics in identifying key priorities, targeting areas to encourage education/travel fellowships, and educational seminars in the future, because this area will only accelerate, and diagnostic requirements will expand.
(© 2022 The Authors. European Journal of Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Neurology.)

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Keywords: Europe; disease diagnosis; neurogenetics; rare diseases; survey

Date Created: 20220310 Date Completed: 20220614 Latest Revision: 20220731

20240104

PMC9314134

10.1111/ene.15320

35271759