Related Experiment Videos
Sibling risks of abdominal aortic aneurysm
P A Baird1, A D Sadovnick, I M Yee
1Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Lancet (London, England)
|September 2, 1995
Summary
First-degree relatives of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients have a significantly higher risk of developing AAA. Early screening via ultrasound is recommended for siblings of AAA patients due to earlier onset and increased prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) risk is elevated in first-degree relatives.
- Familial aggregation of AAA suggests a genetic component.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk and age of onset of AAA in siblings of AAA patients compared to controls.
- To evaluate the utility of ultrasound screening in this high-risk group.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year prospective study comparing siblings of AAA probands (n=427) with siblings of control patients (n=451).
- Genetic information gathered via interviews; affected status determined by medical record verification.
- Ultrasound screening performed on a subset of siblings and controls.
Main Results:
- Siblings of AAA probands had a higher prevalence of AAA (4.4%) than control siblings (1.1%).
- Lifetime cumulative risk of AAA at age 83 was higher for probands' siblings (11.7%) vs. controls' siblings (7.5%).
- Ultrasound revealed significantly higher AAA prevalence in probands' siblings (19%) compared to controls (8%), with earlier onset observed.
Conclusions:
- Familial factors significantly influence the age of onset and risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Routine ultrasound screening is recommended for siblings of patients diagnosed with AAA to facilitate early detection.