Yield of next-generation neuropathy gene panels in axonal neuropathies.

Lee DC1, Dankwa L1, Edmundson C1, Cornblath DR2, Scherer SS1.

Author information

1: Department of Neurology, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
2: Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

The use and utility of targeted gene panels for diagnosing the type of CMT have grown rapidly because commercial gene panels that contain most of the relevant genes are available and affordable for many patients.

METHODS:

We used a targeted gene panel to analyze 175 patients who had an unexplained axonal polyneuropathy affecting large myelinated axons, 86 of whom reported a family history of neuropathy, and 89 of whom did not.

RESULTS:

In patients reporting a family history, the panel identified a pathogenic variant causing the neuropathy in 6 cases (7%); in patients not reporting a family history, the gene panel identified pathogenic variants causing neuropathy in 2 patients (2%).

INTERPRETATION:

Interpretation In a tertiary referral setting, current gene panels identify the genetic cause of neuropathy in a small minority of patients who have an unexplained axonal neuropathy, even in those reporting a family history. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.