Sequencing validates deep learning models for EHR-based detection of Noonan syndrome in pediatric patients.

Abstract

Despite advanced diagnostic tools, early detection of rare genetic conditions like Noonan syndrome (NS) remains challenging. We evaluated a deep learning model's real-world performance in identifying potential NS cases using electronic health record (EHR) data, validated through genetic sequencing and clinical assessment. The model analyzed 92,428 patients, identifying 171 high-risk individuals (score > 0.8) who underwent comprehensive review. Among these, 86 had prior genetic diagnoses, including three NS cases diagnosed during the study period. Genetic sequencing of remaining patients identified two additional NS cases with pathogenic variants. The model achieved 2.92% precision and 99.82% specificity. While precision was lower than prior validation (33.3%), this reflected expected differences in disease prevalence rather than model degradation. NS-associated phenotypes were enriched among high-risk patients, and trajectory analysis showed potential for earlier identification, highlighting both promise and limitations of EHR-based computational screening tools.