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The Danish Twin Register
K O Kyvik1, K Christensen, A Skytthe
1Odense University, Genetic Epidemiological Research Group.
Danish Medical Bulletin
|December 1, 1996
Summary
The Danish Twin Register is a key resource for genetic epidemiology, offering extensive data on twins to explore gene-environment interactions for complex traits. It is becoming the world's most comprehensive twin register.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Demography
Background:
- Population-based twin registers are crucial for genetic epidemiological research.
- Twin studies help differentiate genetic and environmental influences on complex traits.
- The Danish Twin Register's history, size, data completeness, and accessibility are detailed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Danish Twin Register.
- To highlight its value as a research resource.
Main Methods:
- Data compilation from historical records and birth registries.
- Ascertainment of twin pairs across various birth cohorts.
- Description of data completeness and accessibility protocols.
Main Results:
- The register includes 14,051 twin pairs (1870-1930) and 20,888 twin pairs (1953-1982).
- Ongoing ascertainment for birth cohorts 1931-1952 and 1983-1993.
- The register is accessible for research under specific conditions.
Conclusions:
- The Danish Twin Register is a highly valuable Danish research resource.
- It is projected to become the world's most comprehensive twin register within years.