Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages Any age to 28 Days

Using genomic sequencing to diagnose birth defects in newborns

Official title: Genomic Sequencing and Personalized Treatment for Birth Defects in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Run by Children's Hospital of Fudan University · NCT02551081 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a new DNA testing method can help doctors diagnose birth defects and genetic diseases in newborns faster and more accurately than the usual method.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
AgesAny age to 28 Days
SexAll
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Fudan University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2015
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2025
Study endsDecember 30, 2025
Registry record updatedSeptember 5, 2025
Trial IDNCT02551081 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include neonates admitted to NICUs with undiagnosed illnesses or specific genetic anomalies.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have previously undergone exome or genome sequencing may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology in diagnosing birth defects and genetic diseases in neonates. By comparing NGS with traditional Sanger sequencing, the study aims to determine if NGS can shorten examination times, improve diagnosis rates, and guide personalized treatment options. The research focuses on neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) who present with undiagnosed illnesses or specific genetic concerns. Participants will undergo genetic screening based on their clinical symptoms, with blood samples collected for DNA analysis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of genetic conditions in newborns, enabling timely and personalized treatment.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing genomic sequencing for similar purposes have shown promising results, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

One of the following criteria required.

1. Neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in one of the study hospitals
2. Clinical genetic testing or a genetic consult is ordered
3. Subject has one major structural anomaly or three or more minor anomalies
4. Abnormal laboratory testing suggestive of a genetic disease
5. Abnormal response to standard therapy for a major underlying condition

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previously performed exome/genome sequencing on patient
2. Any infant in which clinical considerations preclude drawing 1.0 ml of blood
3. Has features pathognomonic for a large chromosomal aberration (Trisomy 13, 18, 21 or other)
4. Parents are unwilling to have genomic reports placed in the medical record or sent to their primary care pediatrician
5. Parents refuse consent

Where it's running

  • Children Hospital of Fudan University
    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.