The Risk Of Gene Variants Or Abnormalities

A gene is a sequence of nucleotides in a group of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands. Every gene has a complete piece of DNA and has its genetic blueprint. The sequence of these DNA encodes a genetic information or physical traits and usually be inherited from your parents to their children, such as e.g.Physical and psychological characteristics, such as the child’s height, memory, appearance, etc. If the sequence of the DNA blue print is abnormal, it may contain information.

Knowledge Is Power.
Early Intervention Saves Lives.

The early stages of life are the most crucial as they are foundation of a child’s future health and development. While physical disabilities such as visual impairments can be identified before the child turns three, developmental disorders such as autism are not well visible so they are more likely to be diagnosed after the age of three.

Identify Gene Variants For Disease Prevention

It can also identify potential disease-causing variants related to 6 medical conditions so that you can take steps to delay, manage or even prevent the onset of the condition that your child is predisposed to.

Accurate Detection Of Chromosomal Abnormalities

This genetic screening test can accurately identify the early onset of 117 disorders that are associated with symptoms such as autism and ADHD by analyzing more than 250,000 chromosome regions.

Prevalence Rate Of Chronic Health Conditions Among Children In Malaysia

ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) affects 4.6 in 100 children of age between 7 to 12 years old.1,2,3

Asthma

Asthma affects 7.1 in 100 children of age below 18 years old.6,7

Autism

Autism affects 1.6 in 1,000 children of age below 18 to 26 months old.9

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis affects 13 in 100 children of age before 5 years old. 4,5

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects 14 in 100 children of age between 12 years old.8

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis affects 7.1 in 100 Malaysian of age commonly more than 2 years old.10,11

The early detection may facilitate a faster access to intervention which can significantly improve child’s condition.

Conditions Caused By Gene Variants

Conditions Symptoms
Asthma Breathing difficulty, wheezing and shortness of breath
ADHD Inability to concentrate and Hyperactivity
Allergic Rhinitis Nose inflammation triggered by Allergens
Wilson Disease Liver disease, central nervous system disorders or death
Atopic Dermatitis Eczema and itching
Hearing loss Partial or complete inability to Hear

Some Symptoms Analyzed By Genetic Screening

Newborn genetic screening can help to detect chromosomal abnormalities as well as the presence of risk factors early so that you are better equipped to address any potential problems to avoid the development of serious symptoms that may go undetected as the baby grows up.

Developmental Disorders

Includes Autism spectrum disorders, Social skill deficit, Learning disability, Intellectual disability.

Internal Organ Disorders

Includes Cardiac anomaly, Kidney dysplasia
Immune deficiency, Dysgenitalism.

Intellectual
Disability

Includes ADHD, Delusion, Anxiety disorder, Manic-depressive illness.

Physical
Disability

Includes skull deformity, Muscular hypotonia, Growth delay, Visual impairment.

Disclaimer & Test Limitation

bebegene® is tested by Eone-Diagnomics Genome Centre (EDGC, a clinical laboratory in South Korea. Recognized for its technology and excellence, the laboratory is certified with both CAP and CLIA accreditation, which includes other line of services such as microarray technology and Direct-to-Consumer genetic testing. EDGC has a quality management system in place to ensure maximum accuracy of screening results. Using technology of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) chromosomal microarray, the test has a high resolution detection limit reaching 50kb and is able to detect chromosomal abnormalities as small as 200kb. As with any screening tests, false positive or false negative results cannot be completely eliminated due to various reasons including but not limited to specimen quality and other variables. This is a genetic screening test related to the genetic predisposition developmental disorders. It cannot be considered as a diagnostic test. Hence, the risk of a disorder should never be precluded solely on the basis of screening. If pathogenic variants are detected, follow up testing is recommended to confirm the results. Signs or symptoms observed should be followed up immediately by a professional healthcare provider.

Reference

1) More Attention Needed For ADHD. The Star Online. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2014/03/02/more-attention-needed-for-adhd-lack-of-awareness-facilities-the-bane-of-better-awareness-of-disorder/. Accessed September 8, 2020.
2) Sahril N, Ahmad NA, Idris IB, et al. Mental Health Problems of Children. National Health & Morbidity Survey 2015. 2. Kuala Lumpur: Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2015. p. 190-205.
3) Gomez R, Hafetz N. DSM-IV ADHD: Prevalence based on parent and teacher ratings of Malaysian primary school children. Asian J Psychiatr. 2011;4(1):41-4.
4) Atopic dermatitis/ Eczema. Allergy Centre Malaysia. http://www.allergycentre.com.my/atopic.html. Accessed 8 September 8, 2020.
5) Goh YY, Keshavarzi F, Chew YL. Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis and Pattern of Drug Therapy in Malaysian Children. Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):151-161.
6) National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011. Healthcare Demand And Out-Of-Pocket Health Expenditure. Volume III.http://iku.moh.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2011-VolumeIII.pdf. Accessed September 8, 2020.

7) Institute for Public Health (IPH). The Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) 2006, Asthma (Ministry of Health, Malaysia, 2008). http://iku.moh.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/2006/ExecutiveSummary.pdf. Accessed February 24, 2021.
8) National ORL Registry – Hearing and Otology Related Disease/Cochlear Implant. The Annual Report National ORL Registry Hearing and Otology Related Disease / Cochlear Implant – Vol. 1 (January 2010- December 2011). Malaysia: Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2013. ISSN 2289-4179.
9) Family Health Division. Ministry of Health. Paper presented at: Prosiding Mesyuarat Membincangkan Hasil Kajian Saringan dan Pengendalian Masalah Autisme. May 16 – 18, 2006; Hotel Dynasty, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

10) Katelaris C, Lai C, Rhee C, et al. Nasal allergies in the Asian-Pacific population: Results from the Allergies in Asia-Pacific Survey. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2011; 25 (5):3-15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22185687/. Accessed September 9, 2020.

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