Pharmacogenomic Testing In Pediatrics: Navigating The Ethical, Social, And Legal Challenges.

Author information

1: Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.

Abstract

For the past several years, the implementation of pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing has become widespread in several centers and clinical practice settings. PGx testing may be ordered at the point-of-care when treatment is needed or in advance of treatment for future use. The potential benefits of PGx testing are not limited to adult patients, as children are increasingly using medications more often and at earlier ages. This review provides some background on the use of PGx testing in children as well as mothers (prenatally and post-natally) and discusses the challenges, benefits, and the ethical, legal, and social implications of providing PGx testing to children.