A note on twin-singleton differences in asthma.
Twins constitute a valuable resource for genetic studies of asthma. However, critics argue that twins are 'special' in terms of prenatal environment and upbringing and therefore nonrepresentative. In respect to asthma a small range of studies report differential morbidity in twins compared with singletons. We review some of the possible explanations for these findings and conclude that results from twin studies of asthma can be extrapolated to the general population.
Thomsen
Simon Francis
SF
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. sft@city.dk
Kyvik
Kirsten Ohm
KO
Backer
Vibeke
V
D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D012107:Research Design; D018433:Twin Studies as Topic