Fetal Exome Sequencing on the Horizon.

Prenatal whole exome sequencing has recently been introduced. It is evolving and although not currently ready for everyday clinical practice, it will likely become part of the diagnostic arsenal available to clinicians caring for couples carrying a pregnancy for which fetal anomalies have been identified. This commentary discusses what it is, its indications, its benefits, and its limitations.

Practice guideline: joint CCMG-SOGC recommendations for the use of chromosomal microarray analysis for prenatal diagnosis and assessment of fetal loss in Canada.

Background: The aim of this guideline is to provide updated recommendations for Canadian genetic counsellors, medical geneticists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, clinical laboratory geneticists and other practitioners regarding the use of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for prenatal diagnosis. This guideline replaces the 2011 Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)-Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG) Joint Technical Update.

Methods: A multidisciplinary group consisting of medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, maternal fetal medicine specialists and clinical laboratory geneticists was assembled to review existing literature and guidelines for use of CMA in prenatal care and to make recommendations relevant to the Canadian context.