The current state of diagnostic genetics for conditions affecting sex development

Alhomaidah, D., McGowan, R. and Ahmed, S.F. (2017) The current state of diagnostic genetics for conditions affecting sex development. Clinical Genetics, 91(2), pp. 157-162. (doi: 10.1111/cge.12912) (PMID:28127758)

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Abstract

Disorders of sex development (DSD), are a group of rare congenital conditions. Unlike 46, XX DSD where the cause is usually clear, identification of a cause of XY DSD is often unclear and may be attributed to a disorder of gonadal development, androgen synthesis or androgen action. Reaching a firm diagnosis is challenging and requires expertise within a framework that abides by the highest standards of clinical care. Whilst conditions associated with altered sex development have improved our fundamental understanding of sex and gonadal development, it is debatable whether this improvement in our understanding has improved the lives of people with DSD. Thus, there is a need for more emphasis on showing that a firm diagnosis for conditions associated with DSD is associated with a change in clinical practice that benefits the patient. With the rapid advances in diagnostic technology, there is also a need for clearer guidance on the relative merits of biochemical vs genetic evaluation. The standardization and harmonization of complex genetic and biochemical analyses for rare conditions are issues that require further guidance and it is probably that international networks and registries for rare conditions will facilitate the development of this framework.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McGowan, Ruth and Ahmed, Professor Syed Faisal and Alhomaidah, Dr Doha
Authors: Alhomaidah, D., McGowan, R., and Ahmed, S.F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Clinical Genetics
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0009-9163
ISSN (Online):1399-0004
Published Online:07 November 2016

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
557261The International DSD Network (I-DSD)Syed Faisal AhmedMedical Research Council (MRC)G1100236SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, DENTISTRY & NURSING
458221EuroDSD - European Disorders of Sex DevelopmentRichard SinnottEuropean Commission (EC)FP7 HEALTH 201444IT - E-SCIENCE