Gene expression among children has become one of the biggest challenges nowadays. Researchers try to trace gene profiles of children to cure various complex diseases among them. Nowadays, pharmacogenomics testing has become a prominent way of tracking a person’s genetic history and data. Therefore, it is not a surprise that PGx testing plays a pivotal role in pediatric treatments. This article will try to decode the essence of PGx testing in pediatric treatments.
Understanding Gene Expression in Children
The gene expression varies from one child to another depending on multiple factors. For example, development of the drug-metabolizing enzymes is the most crucial factor. Some enzymes are expressed at the highest level during the fetus period. However, they gradually go inactive after the birth. Exactly the opposite thing happens in the case of some enzymes.
These changes in enzyme activities can affect drug response to a large extent. In case of the adults, drug metabolism depends on two organs: the liver and kidneys. But, this is not the case for children. Drug metabolism among children works differently than in adults, and this is why pediatric treatments or therapies often seek different approaches.
Pediatric PGx Data
In today’s time, pediatricians should be aware of the pharmacogenomics to offer personalized treatment to children. However, most pediatricians do not rely on PGx testing. Instead of understanding the genetic profiles of children, they tend to show faith in the traditional approaches. Therefore, some drug side effects become adverse on children. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the prescribed medicines varies to a large extent.
According to a survey conducted in 2009 by the American Society of Pediatric Oncology, most pediatricians are aware of the PGx testing for pediatric hematology treatments, though they do not perform the genotype testing. Children are more vulnerable to drug side effects than adults.
This is why adopting PGx testing in prescribing medicinal drugs to children can transform the pediatric health industry to a large extent. Healthcare clinics and pediatricians should prescribe PGx testing at certified clinics to procure the genetic details of the children. This will help the physicians prescribe the safest and most effective medicines to the children.
Notable Conditions and Treatments
Children are vulnerable to many physical conditions and seek a long-term treatment plan. In such cases, the pediatricians prescribe certain drugs that may have harmful side effects. For example, oncology treatment for children requires careful application of prescribed drugs. The pediatricians can optimize the dosage for the children according to their age for a safe treatment.
Another common physical condition among children is ADHD. The medicines commonly prescribed for ADHD treatment require analyzing the genetic profiles. The application of such medicines will be safer when the physicians have the genetic data of their patients.
Bottom Line
Overall, pharmacogenomics testing can bring a revolutionary change in pediatric treatments and therapies. Children are vulnerable to various complex diseases or physical conditions. A detailed PGx testing result provides the genetic insights that pediatricians require to optimize drug therapies and enhance safety. Getting a PGx test done is simple nowadays since you can order a testing kit at home. Alternatively, you can visit a certified lab to give your sample and obtain a detailed genetic insight.
