Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39676705›Full record

ArticleMolecular genetics & genomic medicine2024

Screening of Inherited Retinal Disease Patients in a Low-Resource Setting Using an Augmented Next-Generation Sequencing Panel.

Nicole Midgley, George Rebello, Lara K Holtes, Raj Ramesar, Lisa Roberts

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Molecular genetics & genomic medicine, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Nicole MidgleyUniversity of Cape Town/MRC Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3832-9234
George RebelloUniversity of Cape Town/MRC Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0654-7598
Lara K HoltesUniversity of Cape Town/MRC Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6337-4403
Raj RamesarUniversity of Cape Town/MRC Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5688-1634
Lisa RobertsUniversity of Cape Town/MRC Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6766-0255

Funding

Retina South AfricaSouth African Medical Research Council
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundInherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders affecting millions worldwide. Despite the widespread adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels, there remains a critical gap in the genetically diverse and understudied African populations.

methodsOne hundred and thirty-five South African patients affected by various IRDs underwent NGS using a custom-targeted panel sequencing over 100 known genes. The panel was supplemented by in silico screening for a MAK-Alu insertion and screening of seven functionally established deep intronic variants.

resultsThrough our combined screening strategy, we obtained a probable genetic diagnosis for 56% of the cohort. We identified 83 unique variants in 29 IRD genes underlying the disease, including 16 putative novel variants. Molecular findings prompted recommendations for clinical re-examination in ten patients. Resolution rates varied across clinical classifications and population groups.

conclusionsThis study reports the first use of a targeted NGS panel for IRDs in southern Africa, demonstrating a cost-effective, customisable approach that optimises both diagnostic yield and resource efficiency, making it a valuable tool for IRD molecular characterisation in resource-limited settings. Augmenting the panel by screening for variants relevant to South African patients allowed us to achieve a resolution rate in line with international studies. Our study underscores the importance of investigating diverse populations to bridge disparities in genomic research and improve diagnostic outcomes for underrepresented population groups.

Indexed as

Genetic TestingHigh-Throughput Nucleotide SequencingRetinal DiseasesAdolescentAdultChildChild, PreschoolFemaleHumansInfantMaleMiddle AgedSouth Africadeep intronic variantsinherited retinal diseasetargeted next‐generation sequencing

Identifiers

PMID39676705
PMCPMC11647334

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.