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Horizon BCBSNJ
Uniform Medical Policy ManualSection:Pathology
Policy Number:092
Effective Date: 08/01/2017
Original Policy Date:01/28/2014
Last Review Date:03/10/2020
Date Published to Web: 04/03/2017
Subject:
Genetic Testing for CHARGE Syndrome

Description:
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IMPORTANT NOTE:

The purpose of this policy is to provide general information applicable to the administration of health benefits that Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Horizon Healthcare of New Jersey, Inc. (collectively “Horizon BCBSNJ”) insures or administers. If the member’s contract benefits differ from the medical policy, the contract prevails. Although a service, supply or procedure may be medically necessary, it may be subject to limitations and/or exclusions under a member’s benefit plan. If a service, supply or procedure is not covered and the member proceeds to obtain the service, supply or procedure, the member may be responsible for the cost. Decisions regarding treatment and treatment plans are the responsibility of the physician. This policy is not intended to direct the course of clinical care a physician provides to a member, and it does not replace a physician’s independent professional clinical judgment or duty to exercise special knowledge and skill in the treatment of Horizon BCBSNJ members. Horizon BCBSNJ is not responsible for, does not provide, and does not hold itself out as a provider of medical care. The physician remains responsible for the quality and type of health care services provided to a Horizon BCBSNJ member.

Horizon BCBSNJ medical policies do not constitute medical advice, authorization, certification, approval, explanation of benefits, offer of coverage, contract or guarantee of payment.

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CHARGE syndrome is a rare genetic condition associated with multiple congenital anomalies. In many individuals, the diagnosis can be made based on clinical findings. However, the phenotype of the disease is highly variable, and some patients do not fulfill the criteria for a definitive diagnosis by clinical findings. Sequence analysis of the CHD7 gene detects variants in most individuals with CHARGE syndrome.

Populations
Interventions
Comparators
Outcomes
Individuals:
· With signs and/or symptoms of CHARGE syndrome
Interventions of interest are:
· Testing for variants in the CHD7 gene
Comparators of interest are:
· Standard management without genetic testing
Relevant outcomes include:
· Overall survival
· Test accuracy
· Test validity
· Symptoms
· Morbid events
· Functional outcomes
· Quality of life
· Resource utilization

Background

CHARGE Syndrome

CHARGE syndrome is a rare genetic condition caused by variants of the CHD7 gene on chromosome 8q12.1. The letters of CHARGE syndrome correspond to clinical features: C = ocular coloboma; H = heart defect; A = atresia choanae; R = retarded growth and development; G = genital hypoplasia; and E = ear anomalies/deafness. A number of other malformations are also common in this condition. In particular, hypoplasia of the semicircular canals has emerged as a frequent and distinctive CHARGE malformation.

Newborns with CHARGE syndrome typically have several major congenital malformations that affect vision, hearing, cardiovascular function, growth, development, neurologic function, and overall well-being. Mortality is relatively high in neonates with bilateral choanal atresia, cyanotic cardiac malformations, central nervous system malformations, and/or tracheoesophageal fistula. In a 1998 series, the death rate was 20% in the first month of life and about 50% by 6 months of age.1, A formal 2005 epidemiologic study in Canada concluded that those who survived infancy were likely to have long-term survival.2, Morbidity is chronic and multisystemic. Cognitive outcomes are difficult to assess because both motor skills and language do not necessarily reflect intellect in this group. About 75% have some degree of intellectual disability. Among the 25% with normal intelligence, many are well educated and live independently as adults.3,

Clinical Diagnosis

Investigators have debated extensively the relative importance of certain clinical signs. Consequently, the diagnostic criteria for CHARGE syndrome have been repeatedly revised.

The complete phenotypic spectrum of CHARGE syndrome was only revealed after identification of the causative gene in 2004, and the phenotypic spectrum of the disease is highly variable.

A 2012 review3, proposed that the diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome be considered definite if an individual has 4 major characteristics or 3 major and 3 minor characteristics, criteria initially proposed by Blake (the Blake criteria),4, and modified by Verloes.5, Individuals with 1 or 2 major characteristics and several minor characteristics would be considered to have probable or possible CHARGE syndrome (see Table 1).

Table 1. Criteria for the Diagnosis of CHARGE Syndrome

CharacteristicsPrevalence
Major  
 Ocular coloboma, which may be manifest in the iris and/or the retina, choroid, and optic disc, and sometimes as microphthalmia.80%-90%
 Choanal atresia or stenosis, which may be unilateral or bilateral. Complete bilateral choanal atresia is a life-threatening emergency in a newborn, because neonates are obligate nose breathers. Some CHARGE patients have a cleft palate, in which case the cleft fulfills this criterion.50%-60%
 CN abnormality, including hyposmia or anosmia (CN I), facial palsy (CN VII), auditory nerve hypoplasia causing sensorineural hearing loss (CN VIII), and/or swallowing problems with or without aspiration (CN IX and CN X).70%-90%
 Characteristic auditory manifestation of the external, middle, or inner ear. The external ear is often dysmorphic. A number of ossicular malformations of the middle ear are common. Sensorineural hearing loss is associated with a Mondini malformation of the cochlea, and vestibular dysfunction is caused by aplasia or hypoplasia of the semicircular canals in 95% of individuals with CHARGE. Temporal bone computed tomography is necessary to diagnose the cochlear and semicircular canal defects.80%-100%
Minor  
 Genital hypoplasia in boys is manifest as micropenis and cryptorchidism, and in girls as hypoplasic labia. Puberty may be delayed because of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.50%
 Developmental delays, especially gross motor and language delays, which may be intrinsic qualities or caused by impaired balance, deafness, blindness, hypotonia, surgery, or other chronic illness.100%
 Congenital cardiac malformations.80%
 Short stature, often with postnatal onset.75%
 Cleft lip and/or cleft palate.15%
 Tracheoesophageal fistula.15%
 Distinctive CHARGE facial appearance, consisting of a prominent forehead and a prominent nasal bridge.75%

CN: cranial nerve.

Other, less frequent manifestations include kidney malformations (25%), immunodeficiency, various limb abnormalities, scoliosis, dental problems, omphalocele, brain malformations, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and various behavioral problems.

The diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome is primarily clinical, based on use of the diagnostic criteria above.

External ear anomalies, abnormalities of cranial nerve function, semicircular canal hypoplasia, and gross motor delays seem to be consistent phenotypic manifestations in CHARGE syndrome, but fully one-third of CHARGE patients will lack choanal atresia and/or ocular coloboma, with the most mildly affected showing only abnormal ears and a balance disturbance. Consequently, CHARGE syndrome can closely resemble several other genetic and teratogenic conditions, such as the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, VACTERL association, Kabuki syndrome, renal coloboma syndrome, cat-eye syndrome, Joubert syndrome, branchio-oto-renal syndrome, and retinoic embryopathy. In 1 patient with velo-cardio-facial syndrome in whom the chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion was ruled out, a CHD7 variant was documented.6, Several patients with Kallmann syndrome were found to have CHD7disease-associated variants.

In recognition of this expanding CHARGE phenotype, Bergman et al (2011) proposed a revision of cardinal and supporting features, and suggested that CHD7 testing be offered to individuals on the milder end of the phenotypic spectrum.7, Their algorithmic approach to diagnosis also incorporated temporal bone computed tomography scans as an important but not necessary component of the diagnostic workup. Although CHARGE syndrome is most often related to a sporadic disease-associated variant, some investigators (2014) have proposed that family history (any first-degree relative with at least 1 major feature of CHARGE) be incorporated into the clinical diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome as a major diagnostic criterion.8,

Genetic Etiology

In 2014, certain variants of the CHD7 gene, which encodes chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein, were found to cause CHARGE syndrome. In mouse models, the CHD7 gene has been associated with neural crest migration.9,Almost all pathogenic variants have proven to be single nucleotide variants, though on rare occasions there may be a chromosomal translocation with a breakpoint within the CHD7 gene. Microdeletions, as would be detected with chromosome microarray analysis, are rare and probably occur in no more than 2% of individuals.

Most instances of CHARGE syndrome are sporadic events in a family and appear to be caused by de novo CHD7 disease-associated variants. On rare occasions, CHARGE can be inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. Individuals with CHARGE who reproduce have a 50% chance of transmitting the variant to their offspring. Recurrence in siblings because of germline mosaicism has also been reported. The prevalence of CHARGE syndrome is estimated at 1 in 8500 live births.2,

Genetic testing for variants of CHD7 is available from several commercial laboratories and is generally performed through Sanger sequence analysis. If no disease-associated variant is identified by Sanger sequencing, deletion and duplication analysis can be performed to identify large deletions.

Treatment

Extensive management guidelines have been developed for CHARGE syndrome.4,7,10, They include periodic examinations and treatment by ophthalmology, otolaryngology, audiology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, gastroenterology, endocrinology, cardiology, neurology, developmental pediatrics, and genetics. Routine investigations would include choanal computed tomography, nasal endoscopy, brainstem auditory-evoked responses, temporal bone computed tomography, swallowing studies, renal ultrasound, gonadotropin testing, echocardiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, growth hormone testing, and genetic counseling. Immunologic assessment should be considered, particularly if patients have recurrent lung or ear infections.11, Based on their evaluation of immune dysfunction in children with CHARGE syndrome, Wong et al (2015) recommended immunologic evaluation of patients with CHARGE syndrome who have recurrent infections.12, Many of these resources might be provided in due course for a child with multiple congenital anomalies in the absence of an exact etiologic diagnosis. However, a number of specific investigations and therapies might not be considered unless CHARGE syndrome has been definitively diagnosed on a clinical basis or, for mildly affected individuals, as the result of genetic testing.

Regulatory Status

Clinical laboratories may develop and validate tests in-house and market them as a laboratory service; laboratory-developed tests must meet the general regulatory standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. Genetic tests for CHARGE syndrome are available under the auspices of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. Laboratories that offer laboratory-developed tests must be licensed by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments for high-complexity testing. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has chosen not to require any regulatory review of this test.

Related Policies

  • None

Policy:
(NOTE: For services provided August 1, 2017 and after, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey collaborates with eviCore healthcare to conduct Medical Necessity Determination for certain molecular and genomic testing services for members enrolled in Horizon BCBSNJ fully insured products as well as Administrative Services Only (ASO) accounts that have elected to participate in the Molecular and Genomic Testing Program (“the Program”). Beginning August 1, 2017, the criteria and guidelines included in this policy apply to members enrolled in plans that have NOT elected to participate in the Program.

To access guidelines that apply for services provided August 1, 2017 and after to members enrolled in plans that HAVE elected to participate in the Program, please visit www.evicore.com/healthplan/Horizon_Lab.

For Medicare Advantage, please refer to the Medicare Coverage Section below for coverage guidance.)


1. Genetic testing for CHARGE syndrome is considered medically necessary to confirm a diagnosis in a member with signs/symptoms of CHARGE syndrome when a definitive diagnosis cannot be made with clinical criteria (see Policy Guidelines section).

2. Genetic testing for CHARGE syndrome is considered investigational in all other situations.


Medicare Coverage:
There is no National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Genetic Testing for CHARGE Syndrome. In the absence of an NCD, coverage decisions are left to the discretion of Local Medicare Carriers. Novitas Solutions, Inc, the Local Medicare Carrier for jurisdiction JL, has not issued a determination for Genetic Testing for CHARGE Syndrome. However, per Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Biomarkers Overview (L35062), Medicare considers genetic testing medically necessary to establish a molecular diagnosis of an inheritable disease when all of the following criteria are met:

    • The beneficiary must display clinical features of an associated disease, but noting that coverage of molecular testing for carrier status or family studies is considered screening and is statutorily excluded from coverage; and
    • The result of the test will directly impact the treatment being delivered to the beneficiary; and
    • A definitive diagnosis remains uncertain after history, physical examination, pedigree analysis, genetic counseling, and completion of conventional diagnostic studies.

For additional information and eligibility, refer to Local Coverage Determination (LCD): Biomarkers Overview (L35062). Available at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/lcd-details.aspx?LCDId=35396&ver=127&articleId=52986&name=314*1&UpdatePeriod=765&bc=AAAAEAAAgAAA&


Policy Guidelines: (Information to guide medical necessity determination based on the criteria contained within the policy statements above.)

A diagnosis of definitive CHARGE syndrome can be made clinically in individuals with all 4 major characteristics or 3 major and 3 minor characteristics (Lalani et al [2012]). In patients without the classical clinical criteria to diagnose CHARGE, in those with a milder phenotype, and/or in those with features that overlap with and cannot be distinguished from other syndromes, genetic testing may provide a definitive diagnosis.

Major characteristics include ocular coloboma, choanal atresia or stenosis, cranial nerve abnormality, ear anomalies/deafness.

Minor characteristics include genital hypoplasia, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, developmental delays, cardiac malformations, short stature, cleft lip and/or cleft palate, tracheoesophageal fistula, and distinctive CHARGE facial appearance, consisting of a prominent forehead and a prominent nasal bridge. Other, less frequent manifestations include kidney malformations, immunodeficiency, various limb abnormalities, scoliosis, dental problems, omphalocele, brain malformations, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and various behavioral problems.

This policy does not address preconception (carrier) testing and prenatal (in utero) testing.

Genetics Nomenclature Update
The Human Genome Variation Society nomenclature is used to report information on variants found in DNA and serves as an international standard in DNA diagnostics. It is being implemented for genetic testing medical policy updates starting in 2017 (see Table PG1). The Society’s nomenclature is recommended by the Human Variome Project, the HUman Genome Organization, and by the Human Genome Variation Society itself.

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology standards and guidelines for interpretation of sequence variants represent expert opinion from both organizations, in addition to the College of American Pathologists. These recommendations primarily apply to genetic tests used in clinical laboratories, including genotyping, single genes, panels, exomes, and genomes. Table PG2 shows the recommended standard terminology—“pathogenic,” “likely pathogenic,” “uncertain significance,” “likely benign,” and “benign”—to describe variants identified that cause Mendelian disorders.

Table PG1. Nomenclature to Report on Variants Found in DNA
Previous
Updated
Definition
MutationDisease-associated variantDisease-associated change in the DNA sequence
VariantChange in the DNA sequence
Familial variantDisease-associated variant identified in a proband for use in subsequent targeted genetic testing in first-degree relatives
Table PG2. ACMG-AMP Standards and Guidelines for Variant Classification
Variant Classification
Definition
PathogenicDisease-causing change in the DNA sequence
Likely pathogenicLikely disease-causing change in the DNA sequence
Variant of uncertain significanceChange in DNA sequence with uncertain effects on disease
Likely benignLikely benign change in the DNA sequence
BenignBenign change in the DNA sequence
American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics; AMP: Association for Molecular Pathology.

Genetic Counseling
Experts recommend formal genetic counseling for patients who are at risk for inherited disorders and who wish to undergo genetic testing. Interpreting the results of genetic tests and understanding risk factors can be difficult for some patients; genetic counseling helps individuals understand the impact of genetic testing, including the possible effects the test results could have on the individual or their family members. It should be noted that genetic counseling may alter the utilization of genetic testing substantially and may reduce inappropriate testing; further, genetic counseling should be performed by an individual with experience and expertise in genetic medicine and genetic testing methods.


[RATIONALE: This policy was created in 2014 and has been updated regularly with searches of the MEDLINE database. The most recent literature update was performed through December 14, 2018.

Evidence reviews assess whether a medical test is clinically useful. A useful test provides information to make a clinical management decision that improves the net health outcome. That is, the balance of benefits and harms is better when the test is used to manage the condition than when another test or no test is used to manage the condition.

The first step in assessing a medical test is to formulate the clinical context and purpose of the test. The test must be technically reliable, clinically valid, and clinically useful for that purpose. Evidence reviews assess the evidence on whether a test is clinically valid and clinically useful. Technical reliability is outside the scope of these reviews, and credible information on technical reliability is available from other sources.

Testing for suspected CHARGE Syndrome

Clinical Context and Test Purpose

In many cases, the individual clinical manifestations of CHARGE syndrome would present on their own and require management without a diagnosis of the larger syndrome. However, given the multisystemic nature of the disease and the well-established recommendations for surveillance for early complications, it is highly likely that outcomes are improved for individuals with CHARGE syndrome if a diagnosis is made.

The purpose of genetic testing for CHD7 in patients who have suspected CHARGE syndrome is to inform a decision whether to pursue additional management steps for CHARGE.

The questions addressed in this policy are: (1) Is there evidence that testing for disease-associated variants in CHD7 has clinical validity?; and (2) Does patient management change in a way that potentially improves outcomes as a result of testing?

The following PICOTS were used to select literature to inform this review.

Patients

The population of interest includes patients with signs and/or symptoms of CHARGE syndrome, but who do not meet the clinical definition of CHARGE syndrome.

Interventions

Most disease-causing variants in CHD7 associated with CHARGE syndrome are single nucleotide variants (SNVs); therefore, Sanger sequencing is an appropriate first step in testing. If that testing is negative, deletion/duplication analysis of the CHD7 gene could be obtained.

Comparators

The comparator of interest is standard clinical care without genetic testing, where decisions about medical therapy or evaluations are based on symptoms at the time of presentation.

Timing

Trials of genetic testing or treatment strategies in this population were not found. Morbidity and mortality over the course of several years given the disease presentation in early childhood would be reasonable.

Setting

CHARGE syndrome is likely managed at least in part by subspecialists. Depending on the acuity of the initial presentation, the patient may be an inpatient or an outpatient. Referral for genetic counseling is important for explanation of genetic disease, heritability, genetic risk, test performance, and possible outcomes.

Simplifying Test Terms

There are 3 core characteristics for assessing a medical test. Whether imaging, laboratory, or other, all medical tests must be:


    · Technically reliable

    · Clinically valid

    · Clinically useful.


Because different specialties may use different terms for the same concept, we are highlighting the core characteristics. The core characteristics also apply to different uses of tests, such as diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring treatment.

Diagnostic tests detect presence or absence of a condition. Surveillance and treatment monitoring are essentially diagnostic tests over a time frame. Surveillance to see whether a condition develops or progresses is a type of detection. Treatment monitoring is also a type of detection because the purpose is to see if treatment is associated with the disappearance, regression, or progression of the condition.

Prognostic tests predict the risk of developing a condition in the future. Tests to predict response to therapy are also prognostic. Response to therapy is a type of condition and can be either a beneficial response or adverse response. The term predictive test is often used to refer to response to therapy. To simplify terms, we use prognostic to refer both to predicting a future condition or to predicting a response to therapy.

Technically Reliable

Assessment of technical reliability focuses on specific tests and operators and requires review of unpublished and often proprietary information. Review of specific tests, operators, and unpublished data are outside the scope of this policy and alternative sources exist. This policy focuses on the clinical validity and clinical utility.

Clinically Valid

A test must detect the presence or absence of a condition, the risk of developing a condition in the future, or treatment response (beneficial or adverse).

The yield of genetic testing in individuals with either diagnosed or suspected CHARGE syndrome can vary depending on factors such as age or family history, and may depend on the clinical criteria used. As reported in the Clinical Utility Gene Card (2015), in over 90% of the patients who fulfill the Blake or Verloes criteria, a disease-associated variant is found.13,

In those with suspected CHARGE syndrome, a disease-associated variant is found in 30% to 60% of patients.13, The proportion varies in individual studies, especially those with small sample sizes. For example, Lalani et al (2006) conducted genetic testing in 110 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome and found disease-associated variants in CHD7 in 64 (58%) of study participants.14, A study by Vuorela et al (2007) tested 74 patients with suspected CHARGE syndrome and found disease-associated variants in 30 (41%) of them.15,

CHARGE syndrome sometimes can be excluded if a patient does not fulfill the clinical criteria and does not carry a disease-associated variant or deletion of CHD7.Some conditions that mimic CHARGE syndrome are 22q11 deletion syndrome, VACTERL association, chromosomal disorders (eg, deletions 3p12p21.2), disorders caused by teratogens (eg, maternal diabetes, isotretinoin [Accutane]), and Kallmann syndrome.10,

The clinical specificity (proportion of patients who do not have the disease who have a negative test) can vary depending on factors such as age or family history.The clinical variability of CHARGE syndrome is considerable. If the diagnosis is based on the Blake criteria, some individuals with CHARGE will be missed. The clinical specificity is greater than 95%, because less than 5% of the patients with a CHD7 disease-associated variant do not completely fulfill these criteria. However, it should be taken into account that the mild end of the phenotypic spectrum is not yet completely known.10,

The penetrance is high, estimated to be 100%, but there is high clinical variability.13,

The negative predictive value (probability of not developing the disease if the test is negative), assuming an increased risk based on family history, is 100% if the index case in the family has been tested. If the index case in the family has not been tested, it depends on the a priori chance that the index will be found to have a disease-associated variant, which is 60% to 90%.

There are no known genotype-phenotype correlations for specific CHD7 variants and CHARGE syndrome manifestations; therefore, the phenotype cannot be predicted from the genotype. For example, a study by Jongmans et al (2006) of 107 patients tested for CHD7 variants did not identify any obvious genotype-phenotype correlations.16,

Section Summary: Clinically Valid

Studies of the testing yield for CHD7 variantshave suggested that, in individuals with suspected CHARGE syndrome, approximately 30% to 60% will have an identified CHD7 variant. There is high clinical specificity. Genetic testing for CHARGE syndrome is very good for confirming a diagnosis, but a negative test does not rule out the disease.

Clinically Useful

A test is clinically useful if the use of the results informs management decisions that improve the net health outcome of care. The net health outcome can be improved if patients receive correct therapy, or more effective therapy, or avoid unnecessary therapy, or avoid unnecessary testing.

Direct Evidence

Direct evidence of clinical utility is provided by studies that have compared health outcomes for patients managed with and without the test. Because these are intervention studies, the preferred evidence would be from randomized controlled trials.

Most cases of CHARGE syndrome can be diagnosed clinically using established major and minor criteria (see Table 1). Scanning of the temporal bones often elicits abnormalities in the semicircular canals, which brings more specificity to the diagnosis. However, not all patients fulfill the clinical criteria for CHARGE syndrome and, based on clinical findings, may be considered to have possible or probable CHARGE syndrome. Mildly affected patients may only have one or a few of the features of CHARGE syndrome. Overlapping features with other syndromes may also make a clinical diagnosis challenging. Genetic testing may be useful in patients who do not have the classical CHARGE characteristics and who may be at risk for the long-term complications of CHARGE syndrome.10,

While extensive management guidelines have been developed for CHARGE syndrome (see Background section),3, no randomized controlled trials were identified.

Chain of Evidence

Indirect evidence on clinical utility rests on clinical validity. If the evidence is insufficient to demonstrate test performance, no inferences can be made about clinical utility.

A chain of evidence can be developed based on the clinical validity. In individuals with suspected but not confirmed CHARGE syndrome, for whom genetic testing confirms a diagnosis, a definitive diagnosis will likely direct patient care according to established clinical management guidelines for CHARGE syndrome, including referrals to the proper specialists, treatment of manifestations, prevention of secondary complications, and surveillance.

Section Summary: Clinically Useful

Most cases of CHARGE syndrome can be diagnosed through established clinical criteria. However, patients who do not meet clinical criteria due to variability in clinical presentation are likely to benefit from genetic testing for CHARGE syndrome. A definitive genetic diagnosis of CHARGE would direct patient care to established clinical management guidelines for CHARGE syndrome.

Summary of Evidence

For individuals who have signs and/or symptoms of CHARGE syndrome who receive genetic testing for variants in the CHD7 gene, the evidence includes case series. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, test accuracy and validity, symptoms, morbid events, functional outcomes, quality of life, and resource utilization. Although the clinical sensitivity of testing CHD7 variant testing cannot be specifically defined, over 90% of patients who fulfill the Blake or Verloes criteria for CHARGE syndrome have a CHD7 variant. A definitive diagnosis may end the need for additional testing in the etiologic workup and direct patient care according to established clinical management guidelines for CHARGE syndrome, including referrals to appropriate specialists, treatment of manifestations, prevention of secondary complications, and surveillance. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in a meaningful improvement in the net health outcome.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements

Bergman et al (2011) proposed guidelines for CHD7 analysis and stated that, while the diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome remains primarily a clinical diagnosis (see Table 1), molecular testing can confirm the diagnosis in mildly affected patients.7,

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations

Not applicable.

Ongoing and Unpublished Clinical Trials

A search of ClinicalTrials.gov in January 2018 did not identify any ongoing or unpublished trials that would likely influence this review.]
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Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy Development Process:

This Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy (the “Medical Policy”) has been developed by Horizon BCBSNJ’s Medical Policy Committee (the “Committee”) consistent with generally accepted standards of medical practice, and reflects Horizon BCBSNJ’s view of the subject health care services, supplies or procedures, and in what circumstances they are deemed to be medically necessary or experimental/ investigational in nature. This Medical Policy also considers whether and to what degree the subject health care services, supplies or procedures are clinically appropriate, in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration and if they are considered effective for the illnesses, injuries or diseases discussed. Where relevant, this Medical Policy considers whether the subject health care services, supplies or procedures are being requested primarily for the convenience of the covered person or the health care provider. It may also consider whether the services, supplies or procedures are more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services, supplies or procedures that are at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of the relevant illness, injury or disease. In reaching its conclusion regarding what it considers to be the generally accepted standards of medical practice, the Committee reviews and considers the following: all credible scientific evidence published in peer-reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, physician and health care provider specialty society recommendations, the views of physicians and health care providers practicing in relevant clinical areas (including, but not limited to, the prevailing opinion within the appropriate specialty) and any other relevant factor as determined by applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.

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Index:
Genetic Testing for CHARGE Syndrome
CHARGE Syndrome, Genetic Testing for
Genetic Testing CHD7
CHD7, Genetic Testing

References:
1. Tellier AL, Cormier-Daire V, Abadie V, et al. CHARGE syndrome: report of 47 cases and review. Am J Med Genet. Apr 13 1998;76(5):402-409. PMID 9556299

2. Issekutz KA, Graham JM, Jr., Prasad C, et al. An epidemiological analysis of CHARGE syndrome: preliminary results from a Canadian study. Am J Med Genet A. Mar 15 2005;133A(3):309-317. PMID 15637722

3. Lalani SR, Hefner MA, Belmont JW, et al. CHARGE Syndrome. In: Pagon RA, Adam MP, Ardinger HH, et al., eds. GeneReviews. Seattle, WA: University of Washington; 2012.

4. Blake KD, Davenport SL, Hall BD, et al. CHARGE association: an update and review for the primary pediatrician. Clin Pediatr (Phila). Mar 1998;37(3):159-173. PMID 9545604

5. Verloes A. Updated diagnostic criteria for CHARGE syndrome: a proposal. Am J Med Genet A. Mar 15 2005;133A(3):306-308. PMID 15666308

6. Jain S, Kim HG, Lacbawan F, et al. Unique phenotype in a patient with CHARGE syndrome. Int J Pediatr Endocrinol. Oct 13 2011;2011:11. PMID 21995344

7. Bergman JE, Janssen N, Hoefsloot LH, et al. CHD7 mutations and CHARGE syndrome: the clinical implications of an expanding phenotype. J Med Genet. May 2011;48(5):334-342. PMID 21378379

8. Hughes SS, Welsh HI, Safina NP, et al. Family history and clefting as major criteria for CHARGE syndrome. Am J Med Genet A. Jan 2014;164A(1):48-53. PMID 24214489

9. Schulz Y, Wehner P, Opitz L, et al. CHD7, the gene mutated in CHARGE syndrome, regulates genes involved in neural crest cell guidance. Hum Genet. Aug 2014;133(8):997-1009. PMID 24728844

10. Blake K, van Ravenswaaij-Arts CM, Hoefsloot L, et al. Clinical utility gene card for: CHARGE syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet. Sep 2011;19(9). PMID 21407266

11. Hsu P, Ma A, Wilson M, et al. CHARGE syndrome: a review. J Paediatr Child Health. Jul 2014;50(7):504-511. PMID 24548020

12. Wong MT, Lambeck AJ, van der Burg M, et al. Immune dysfunction in children with CHARGE syndrome: a cross-sectional study. PLoS One. Nov 2015;10(11):e0142350. PMID 26544072

13. van Ravenswaaij-Arts CM, Blake K, Hoefsloot L, et al. Clinical Utility Gene Card for: CHARGE syndrome - update 2015. Eur J Hum Genet. Nov 2015;23(11). PMID 25689928

14. Lalani SR, Safiullah AM, Fernbach SD, et al. Spectrum of CHD7 mutations in 110 individuals with CHARGE syndrome and genotype-phenotype correlation. Am J Hum Genet. Feb 2006;78(2):303-314. PMID 16400610

15. Vuorela P, Ala-Mello S, Saloranta C, et al. Molecular analysis of the CHD7 gene in CHARGE syndrome: identification of 22 novel mutations and evidence for a low contribution of large CHD7 deletions. Genet Med. Oct 2007;9(10):690-694. PMID 18073582

16. Jongmans MC, Admiraal RJ, van der Donk KP, et al. CHARGE syndrome: the phenotypic spectrum of mutations in the CHD7 gene. J Med Genet. Apr 2006;43(4):306-314. PMID 16155193


Codes:
(The list of codes is not intended to be all-inclusive and is included below for informational purposes only. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis, drug or device code(s) does not constitute or imply authorization, certification, approval, offer of coverage or guarantee of payment.)

CPT*

    81407
HCPCS

* CPT only copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.
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Medical policies can be highly technical and are designed for use by the Horizon BCBSNJ professional staff in making coverage determinations. Members referring to this policy should discuss it with their treating physician, and should refer to their specific benefit plan for the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of their coverage.

The Horizon BCBSNJ Medical Policy Manual is proprietary. It is to be used only as authorized by Horizon BCBSNJ and its affiliates. The contents of this Medical Policy are not to be copied, reproduced or circulated to other parties without the express written consent of Horizon BCBSNJ. The contents of this Medical Policy may be updated or changed without notice, unless otherwise required by law and/or regulation. However, benefit determinations are made in the context of medical policies existing at the time of the decision and are not subject to later revision as the result of a change in medical policy

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