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Twin study using mortality data: a new sampling method

A J Graham1, C H Hawkes

  • 1Department of Clinical Neurology, Ipswich Hospital, Suffolk, UK.

International Journal of Epidemiology
|August 1, 1995
PubMed
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This study introduces a new method for twin research using death-discordant pairs for motor neuron disease (MND). The approach successfully identified a large, unbiased sample for studying rare conditions like MND.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Genetics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Motor neuron disease (MND) is a rare condition, posing challenges for traditional twin studies.
  • Investigating genetic and environmental factors in low-prevalence diseases requires innovative methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a novel twin study approach using death-discordant pairs for motor neuron disease (MND).
  • To establish the viability and effectiveness of this method for rare disease research.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based study utilized death records (ICD code 335.2) in England and Wales (1979-1989).
  • Identified 131 twin pairs from 10,872 individuals born after 1899, tracing co-twins via the National Health Service Central Register.
  • Obtained consent from general practitioners for approaching living co-twins for interviews.
Keywords:
Data CollectionDemographic FactorsDeveloped CountriesEnglandEuropeMortalityMultiple BirthNorthern EuropePopulationPopulation DynamicsReproductionResearch MethodologyUnited KingdomWales

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Main Results:

  • The study identified 54 living co-twins, 31 adult deaths, 29 infant deaths, 5 emigrants, 3 misdiagnosed index twins, and 9 untraceable co-twins.
  • Two concordant pairs were identified among adult deaths.
  • This method yielded the largest twin population sample globally for MND research.

Conclusions:

  • The novel twin study method is viable and effective for rare diseases like MND.
  • It generates a large, unbiased sample compared to traditional twin study approaches.
  • The method's success depends on accurate death certificates and co-twin zygosity reporting.