For the study, he and his team are focusing on a special patient group: children in their first weeks and -months of life who are so ill that they need to be treated in an intensive care unit. "The cause of their symptoms is often not clear. No clear diagnosis can be made," explains Dr. Alexander von Gise, one of the pediatric intensivists involved in the study. Without an accurate diagnosis, however, no targeted treatment is possible, and a long journey of suffering and an odyssey from doctor to doctor often follows.
This is precisely where the Baby Lion study comes in, the first study of its kind in German-speaking countries. "Today, it is possible to completely decode the human genome in just a few days," explains Auber. Experts refer to this as whole genome sequencing (WGS). With the help of this very comprehensive and technically sophisticated diagnostic method, which generates huge amounts of data, even extremely rare genetic diseases can be identified. In the study, however, the experts in genetics and pediatrics want to decode not only the genome of the sick children, but also that of both parents. With this trio whole genome sequencing, the three genomes can be compared very precisely and relevant genetic changes in the child can be quickly identified.
"Being able to arrive at a diagnosis within a few days despite the large amounts of data would be a great help, especially for critically ill newborns," says Prof. Bettina Bohnhorst, head of the neonatal intensive care unit at MHH. In the USA and other countries, very good experiences have already been made with this novel diagnostic method. "In up to 40 percent of the children examined, the diagnosis of a genetic disease could be made," reports Dr. Michael Sasse, head of the pediatric intensive care unit at MHH. "Thanks to the early and reliable diagnosis, it is possible to provide targeted help to the children and their families more quickly. In rare cases, specific therapy can already be started now." Suffering paths can be shortened and unnecessary therapies and examinations can be avoided.
Auber's team now wants to find out whether these findings can also be transferred to the German healthcare system. The project is supported by Illumina, a manufacturer of genetic diagnostics equipment and a leader in the field of gene sequencing. The study will include 100 children and their parents within one year. These are families who are cared for in the intensive care units of the pediatric clinic of the MHH and in other hospitals in Lower Saxony. In the study, the geneticists work closely with colleagues in the neonatology and pediatric intensive care units.
MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: MHH Hospital
