Genetic Susceptibility to Acute Rheumatic Fever: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Twin Studies
Author Information
Author(s): Engel Mark E., Stander Raphaella, Vogel Jonathan, Adeyemo Adebowale A., Mayosi Bongani M.
Primary Institution: Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Hypothesis
What is the magnitude of the genetic effect on acute rheumatic fever?
Conclusion
Acute rheumatic fever has a high heritability, indicating a significant genetic component in its etiology.
Supporting Evidence
- The pooled probandwise concordance risk for acute rheumatic fever was 44% in monozygotic twins and 12% in dizygotic twins.
- The odds ratio for the association between zygosity and concordance was 6.39.
- The estimated heritability across all studies was 60%.
- Concordance rates ranged from 31% to 100% for monozygotic twins and from 0% to 67% for dizygotic twins.
Takeaway
This study found that if one identical twin has acute rheumatic fever, the other twin is much more likely to have it too, showing that genes play a big role in this disease.
Methodology
A systematic review and meta-analysis of twin studies measuring concordance rates for acute rheumatic fever.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of phenotype and incomplete information on zygosity determination.
Limitations
The study may have misclassified cases due to evolving diagnostic criteria and lacked complete demographic data.
Participant Demographics
The studies included monozygotic and dizygotic twins, with incomplete information on age and gender.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
3.39 to 12.06
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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