Prenatal Screening of Chromosomal Anomalies Using Genome-Wide or Target Cell-Free DNA: Preferences and Satisfaction of Pregnant Women
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a non-invasive prenatal test used to screen for common trisomies (target cfDNA) that can be expanded to assess all autosomal chromosomes (genome-wide cfDNA). As cfDNA testing gains popularity, it is crucial to examine the factors influencing the decision-making process of pregnant individuals when choosing between these two approaches. <b>Methods</b>: In this prospective cohort study, 190 individuals undergoing cfDNA testing for aneuploidy screening, according to the current screening protocol, were allowed to make their own choice between target and genome-wide cfDNA testing. They were asked to complete a first survey at 11-13 weeks, designed to explore their characteristics, preferences, and satisfaction with the prenatal genetic counseling session, as well as a Decisional Conflict Scale. A postnatal survey was administered three months after delivery, including the Decisional Regret Scale and two open questions. <b>Results</b>: 84% of participants opted for genome-wide cfDNA. However, 17% found the decision challenging, and 14% felt that the results might increase anxiety. No significant differences in participant characteristics were found when comparing decisions between genome-wide and target cfDNA. However, significant differences were observed regarding ethnicity (<i>p</i> = <0.001), educational level (<i>p</i> = 0.029), previous cfDNA experience (<i>p</i> = 0.004), and having sufficient information when comparing termination options (<i>p</i> = 0.002). After delivery, only 4% would have changed their decision. <b>Conclusions</b>: Individuals, regardless of their characteristics, prefer genome-wide cfDNA; however, the complexity of the results necessitates enhanced genetic education for prenatal care clinicians.
Authors
- A. Borrell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4304-4797)
- Irene Madrigal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7229-1199)
- Montse Pauta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5740-4415)
- R. Roca de Viñals
- Victoria Ardiles‐Ruesjas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1887-3119)
Institutions
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (ES)
- Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica (ES)
- Consorci Institut D'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer (ES)
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (ES)
- Universitat de Barcelona (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2024-08-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164888
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.22