Pharmacogenetics, or precision medicine, is still new to many pediatric providers despite its documented benefits, according to an article the Sanford Childrens Genomic Medicine Consortium published recently in The Pharmacogenomics Journal.

Pharmacogenetics uses a persons DNA to help providers choose the best medicine and dosage of medicine. And there are plenty of opportunities to use genetic traits in pediatrics, the group wrote.

Theres evidence that pharmacogenetics benefit pediatric oncology, pain management, organ transplantation, and immunosuppression, according to the journal article. Additionally, advances in technology have made it easier to study complete genomes, and providers can use that information to improve health care for children.

Ten hospitals have signed on to the consortium to rapidly integrate genetics and genomics into primary and specialty pediatric care.

Above all, the mission of the consortium is to efficiently manage resources in genetics and genomics, perform cutting-edge research and education and bring genomic medicine into pediatric practice. This will help set the standard for precision medicine in childrens health care.

The 10 member hospitals are:

A previous innovation project funded by the consortium was a study of the outcomes of rapid whole genomic sequencing in critically ill newborn infants. Another previous study evaluated the routine use of an extensive, pediatric-focused, next generation sequencing panel in the diagnosis of childhood cancers.

Posted In Children's, Company News, Genetics

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Sanford genetics group shares benefits of custom kids' care - Sanford Health News