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Age-adjusted recurrence risks for relatives of patients with multiple sclerosis
N P Robertson1, M Fraser, J Deans
1University of Cambridge Neurology unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) shows familial aggregation. This UK study found recurrence risks for MS decrease with genetic distance, with sisters having the highest risk, aiding clinical counseling.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Neurology
Background:
- Familial aggregation is a known feature of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Systematic examination of recurrence risks for relatives in the UK is limited.
- Understanding familial risk is crucial for genetic counseling in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically assess sex-specific and age-adjusted recurrence risks for relatives of multiple sclerosis probands in the UK.
- To provide data for clinical counseling regarding familial risk of MS.
- To investigate the relationship between genetic distance and MS recurrence risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 674 probands in Cambridgeshire.
- Pedigree data collected on 11,391 relatives, including birth year, age, and disease status.
- Statistical modeling used to assess recurrence risks based on age at onset.
Main Results:
- Nineteen percent of MS patients reported an affected relative.
- 128 non-proband affected relatives were identified.
- Highest recurrence risk observed for sisters; risk systematically decreased with genetic distance from the proband. No maternal or paternal preference noted.
Conclusions:
- Recurrence risk for multiple sclerosis is influenced by genetic relatedness.
- The study provides valuable data for genetic counseling in families with MS.
- Risk stratification based on familial relationships can be refined using these findings.