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A familial risk profile for osteoporosis
L B Henderson1, J S Adams, D R Goldstein
1Department of Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.
Purpose:
To describe genetic epidemiologic aspects of osteoporosis.
Methods:
69 patients with osteoporosis were interviewed regarding personal and family histories of osteoporosis and related fractures. Family history information was obtained on 421 first degree and 748 second degree relatives.
Results:
45% of cases reported a family history of osteoporosis. Familial cases were characterized neither by an earlier age of diagnosis nor by a greater degree of phenotypic severity. Empiric risks for osteoporosis were highest for mothers, 33%, and were 19% for sisters.
Conclusion:
These results provide an initial genetic epidemiologic profile for osteoporosis and information useful for genetic counseling.