Strategic Implementation of Fragile X Carrier Screening in China

Abstract

Fragile X syndrome is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Female premutation carriers exhibit no obvious symptoms during reproductive age, but the premutation allele can expand to full mutation when transmitted to the fetus. Given the relatively low prevalence but large population, the distinct health care system, the middle-income economic status, and low awareness among public and medical professionals, the optimal genetic screening strategy remains unknown. We conducted a pilot study of Fragile X carrier screening in China, involving 22,245 pregnant women and women with childbearing intentions, divided into control and pilot groups. The prevalence of Fragile X carriers in the control group was 1 of 850, similar to East Asian populations. Strikingly, the prevalence of Fragile X carriers in the pilot group was 1 of 356, which can be attributed to extensive medical training, participant education, and rigorous genetic counseling and testing protocols. Cost-effectiveness analyses of four strategies—no screening, population-based screening, targeted screening, and our pilot screening—indicated that our pilot screening was the most cost-effective option. A follow-up survey revealed that 55% of respondents reported undergoing screening because of their family history. We have successfully established a standardized system, addressing the challenges of low prevalence, limited awareness, and genetic testing complexities. Our study provides practical recommendations for implementing Fragile X carrier screening in China.