genetic testing

A little over a year ago, I wrote a column discussing the topic of family planning. Recently, we discovered that our family will be growing by one! We have lots of planning to do before my new baby comes next January. Of course, we are happy about the news…

The prevalence of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) in people across the U.S. and in Montreal, Canada, who lack an official diagnosis but have its characteristic neuromuscular symptoms — including neck and proximal muscle weakness or elevated creatine kinase levels (a marker of muscle damage)…

When my son, Cayden, was diagnosed with infantile-onset Pompe disease, I experienced a multitude of different emotions. One of the biggest things I struggled with was the guilt that came along with his diagnosis. Because Pompe is a genetic disease, I know I am part of the reason my son…

The type of genetic mutation carried by a Pompe disease patient appears to predict whether the disease is infantile- or late-onset, according to a study. However, newly diagnosed patients should still undergo complete genetic, cardiac, and neurological tests, scientists stated. The study, “Phenotypic implications of pathogenic…

One of the hardest things about being a special needs parent is all of the unknowns. Not knowing what tomorrow will look like makes planning things a bit difficult. I am someone who likes to have plans set in stone. However, I’ve had to adjust,…

Newborn screening for Pompe disease can help improve outcomes for babies and prevent a long diagnostic journey. Following is some information about newborn screening and how it can help the children and their parents. About Pompe disease Pompe disease is a rare genetic disease. It is characterized by…

A skin biopsy is one of the tests that doctors can use to help diagnose Pompe disease, a rare genetic disease characterized by the buildup of complex sugar molecules called glycogen in muscle and other tissues. This buildup may interfere with function and cause the symptoms…

If you are at risk of transmitting Pompe disease to your children, you may be thinking about your reproductive options and interested in prenatal diagnostic testing. What is prenatal diagnosis? Prenatal diagnosis involves performing a genetic test on your baby before birth. Getting genetic material from…

Genetic testing looks for changes in genes and chromosomes that might indicate you have a genetic disease such as Pompe disease. Genetics of Pompe disease Pompe disease is caused by mutations in the GAA gene. These mutations lead to your cells not being able to properly make…

Axovant Gene Therapies is collaborating with Invitae to offer free genetic testing in the United States and Canada to children suspected of having a lysosomal storage disease. The Axovant sponsorship is meant to help bring down barriers to genetic diagnoses and counseling for lysosomal storage diseases…