The Danish Twin Registry: An Updated Overview

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Genetics
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Established in the 1950s, the Danish Twin Registry (DTR) is the oldest nationwide twin register.
• It has expanded to include twins born up to 2009, now comprising over 175,000 individuals across 140 birth cohorts.
• The DTR is among the world's largest twin registries, offering a unique research infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of the data resources available within the Danish Twin Registry.
• To detail the registry's establishment, ascertainment methods, and cohort composition.
• To highlight the integration of survey data, biobank information, and national register linkages for comprehensive twin studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of the Danish Twin Registry's historical establishment and ascertainment strategies.
• Description of major surveys conducted since 1994 and the DTR biobank, including molecular data.
• Explanation of data linkage with Danish national registers at Statistics Denmark.

Main Results:

• The DTR contains extensive data on over 175,000 twins from 1870-2009.
• A biobank with biological samples and molecular data is available, alongside repeated measurements.
• Successful linkage with Danish national registers provides a rich resource for epidemiological and genetic research.

Conclusions:

• The Danish Twin Registry is a premier, comprehensive resource for a wide array of twin studies.
• Its long history, large cohort size, and integrated data streams offer unparalleled opportunities for research.
• The DTR facilitates advanced research in genetics, epidemiology, and public health through its unique data infrastructure.