Psychopharmacology in children with genetic disorders of epigenetic and chromatin regulation
摘要
Hundreds of rare genetic variants associated with autism or intellectual disability have been identified, and many impact genes known to have a primary epigenetic/chromatin regulatory function. The objective of this study was to examine and compare behavioural profiles and longitudinal psychotropic treatment patterns in children with epigenetic/chromatin variants, other rare variants impacting neurodevelopment, or no known genetic condition.
MethodsUsing electronic medical records from a pediatric psychopharmacology program for children with autism or intellectual disability, we compared clinical characteristics, longitudinal psychotropic medication profiles and side effects between those with and without a rare genetic variant, and by variant subtype [epigenetic/chromatin regulation or other variant].
ResultsA total of 331 children attended 2724 unique medical visits between 2019 and 2022, with a mean of 8 follow-up visits over 3.4 years. Nine children (3%) had variants in epigenetic/chromatin regulatory genes (EC), twenty-three children (7%) had other rare genetic variants (OTH), and the rest had no reported variant (NR, n = 299, 90%). Those with a rare genetic variant (EC or OTH) were more likely to have an intellectual disability and had a greater number of co-occurring physical health conditions (p < 0.01). Overall, 66% of psychotropic medications were continued for ≥ 3 visits, while 26% were discontinued. Rates of psychotropic polypharmacy, medication patterns, behavioural challenges, and co-occurring developmental diagnoses were similar between genetic groups. Analyses uncorrected for multiple comparisons suggested those with genetic variants were more likely to experience drowsiness/sedation as a side effect (EC 33%, OTH 35%, NR 16%, p < 0.05); weight gain as a side effect was also higher in the epigenetic/chromatin group (EC 50% vs OTH 11%).
ConclusionGenetic classification of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) may help anticipate treatment tolerability; additional prescribing considerations may be needed for those with rare variants. Current psychotropic prescribing practices do not differ across rare genetic NDD subgroups.