Related Experiment Videos
Evidence for genetic anticipation in nodal osteoarthritis
G D Wright1, M Regan, C M Deighton
1Department of Rheumatology, City Hospital, Nottingham.
Objective:
Evidence was sought for genetic anticipation (disease occurring at an earlier age in subsequent generations, with increasing severity) in nodal osteoarthritis (NOA).
Methods:
Age at symptom onset and disease severity was compared within 30 parent/offspring pairs with NOA. Correlation between the offspring age of disease onset and the parental age at conception was also assessed.
Results:
The age at onset of nodal symptoms was earlier in the offspring (43 years (95% confidence intervals (CI) 38 to 47) v 61 (CI 58 to 65); mean difference 18 years (CI 13 to 22): p < 0.001) as was larger joint symptom onset (48 years (CI 41 to 55) v 67 (CI 61 to 73); mean difference 20 years (CI 13 to 27): p < 0.01). A negative correlation existed between age of offspring symptom onset and parental age at conception. Fifteen (50%) offspring had similar or more extensive disease than their parents.
Conclusions:
These results suggest genetic anticipation occurs in NOA and if confirmed a search for trinucleotide repeats is warranted.