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Ethical Perspectives on Translational Pharmacogenetic Research Involving Children

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Abstract

Children represent a special population characterized by dynamic changes which may affect drug safety and efficacy. The interplay of pharmacogenetics with physiological alterations that occur throughout development is an area of increasing research focus. Given the translational nature of pharmacogenetic research, it is possible that pharmacogenetic research results may possess clinically actionable information. The potential long-term implications of pharmacogenetic test results throughout the lifespan of the child, and the potential impact of the results for other members of the family need to be considered. Comprehensive counselling and communication strategies may need to be integrated as part of pharmacogenetic research studies in children.

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Conflict of interest

I have no conflicts of interest to disclose. There was no funding received for this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 1X8, Canada

    Parvaz Madadi

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  1. Parvaz Madadi
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Correspondence to Parvaz Madadi.

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This article is part of the topical collection on Ethics of Pediatric Drug Research.

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Madadi, P. Ethical Perspectives on Translational Pharmacogenetic Research Involving Children. Pediatr Drugs 17, 91–95 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-014-0111-3

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