CHARGE Syndrome: CHD7 Gene Sequencing

CHARGE is a mnemonic that stands for coloboma, heart defects, choanal atresia, retarded growth and development, genital abnormalities, and ear anomalies. CHARGE syndrome is characterized by unilateral or bilateral coloboma of the iris, retina-choroid, and/or disc with or without microphthalmos (80%-90% of individuals); unilateral or bilateral choanal atresia or stenosis (50%-60%); cranial nerve dysfunction resulting in hyposomia or anosmia,unilateral or bilateral facial palsy (40%), impaired hearing, and/or swallowing problems (70%-90%); abnormal outer ears, ossicular malformations, Mondini defect of the cochlea, and absent or hypoplastic semicircular canals; cryptorchidism in males and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in both males and females; developmental delay; cardiovascular malformations (75%-85%); growth deficiency (70%-80%); orofacial clefts (15%-20%); and tracheoesophageal fistula (15%-20%). Neonates with CHARGE syndrome often have multiple life-threatening medical conditions. Feeding difficulties are a major cause of morbidity in all age groups.

The diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome is based on clinical findings and temporal bone imaging. The CHD7 gene (8q12.1) is the only gene currently known to be associated with CHARGE syndrome; it encodes the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein.Sequence analysis of the CHD7 coding region detects mutations in approximately 60%-65% of individuals with CHARGE syndrome. While one study suggested that individuals with CHARGE syndrome caused by a mutation in CHD7 were more likely to exhibit cardiovascular malformations, coloboma of the eye, and facial asymmetry, another study found no genotype-phenotype correlations in this cohort and noted that there were differences in clinical presentation even in sib pairs with identical mutations. Most individuals diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome represent simplex cases (i.e., a single occurrence in a family), although CHARGE syndrome caused by mutation of CHD7 can be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. CHARGE syndrome has an estimated birth incidence of 1 in 10-12,000

Mutations in CHD7 have also been shown to cause Kallmann syndrome-5, an allelic disorder with a less severe but overlapping phenotype. Patients with anosmia and/or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, therefore, should be screened for additional clinical features of CHARGE syndrome.

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This test is indicated for:

• Confirmation of a clinical/biochemical diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome

Next Generation Sequencing: In-solution hybridization of all coding exons is performed on the patient's genomic DNA. Although some deep intronic regions may also be analyzed, this assay is not meant to interrogate most promoter regions, deep intronic regions, or other regulatory elements, and does not detect single or multi-exon deletions or duplications. Direct sequencing of the captured regions is performed using next generation sequencing. The patient's gene sequences are then compared to a standard reference sequence. Potentially causative variants and areas of low coverage are Sanger-sequenced. Sequence variations are classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, benign, likely benign, or variants of unknown significance. Variants of unknown significance may require further studies of the patient and/or family members.

Submit only 1 of the following specimen types

Preferred specimen type: Whole Blood

Type: Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements:

In EDTA (purple top) tube:
Infants (<2 years): 2-3 ml
Children (>2 years): 3-5 ml
Older Children & Adults: 5-10 ml

Specimen Collection and Shipping: Refrigerate until time of shipment. Ship sample within 5 days of collection at room temperature with overnight delivery.

Type: Saliva

Specimen Requirements:

Oragene^TM Saliva Collection kit (available through EGL) used according to manufacturer instructions.

Specimen Collection and Shipping: Store sample at room temperature. Ship sample within 5 days of collection at room temperature with overnight delivery.

• Custom diagnostic mutation analysis (KM) is available to family members if mutations are identified by targeted mutation testing or sequencing analysis.
• Prenatal testing is available to individuals who are confirmed carriers of mutations. Please contact the laboratory genetic counselor to discuss appropriate testing prior to collecting a prenatal specimen.

Requisition Forms

• Comprehensive Molecular Test Requisition Form
• Neurology, Neuromuscular, and Cardiology Test Requisition Form
• Autism/Intellectual Disability/Developmental Delays Test Requisition Form

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