Trio genome sequencing for developmental delay and pediatric heart conditions: A comparative microcost analysis

Abstract

Purpose: Genome sequencing (GS) can aid clinical management of multiple pediatric conditions. Insurers require accurate cost information to inform funding and implementation decisions. The objective was to compare the laboratory workflows and microcosts of trio GS testing in children with developmental delay (DD) and in children with cardiac conditions.

Methods: Cost items related to each step in trio GS (child and 2 parents) for both populations were identified and measured. Program costs over 5 years were estimated. Probabilistic and deterministic analyses were conducted.

Results: The mean cost per trio GS was CAD$6634.11 (95% CI = 6352.29-6913.40) for DD and CAD$8053.10 (95% CI = 7699.30-8558.10) for cardiac conditions. The 5-year program cost was CAD$28.11 million (95% CI = 26.91-29.29) for DD and CAD$5.63 million (95% CI = 5.38-5.98) for cardiac conditions. Supplies constituted the largest cost component for both populations. The higher cost per sample for the population with cardiac conditions was due to the inclusion of pharmacogenomics, higher bioinformatics labor costs, and a more labor intensive case review.

Conclusion: This analysis indicated important variation in trio GS workflow and costs between pediatric populations in a single institution. Enhanced understanding of the clinical utility and costs of GS can inform harmonization and implementation decision-making.

Keywords: Cardiac diseases; Developmental delay; Genome sequencing; Microcosting; Pediatrics.