Penetrance estimation of TTR familial amyloid polyneuropathy (type I) in Brazilian families.
OBJECTIVE
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) type I is a severe autosomal dominant inherited neuropathy associated with mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Significant phenotypic variability is seen amongst families with distinct geographic origin, especially regarding penetrance and age of onset. The aim of this study was to estimate the penetrance of FAP in Brazilian families.


METHODS
Twenty-two distinct families were ascertained through genetically confirmed index cases and included in this study. Genealogical and clinical data were obtained from a total of 623 individuals, including 126 affected by FAP. In 15 families, TTR genotyping was performed in all available relatives (n = 86), after informed written consent. Seven families did not consent for genetic testing, but agreed to provide clinical and genealogical data. Penetrance was estimated using a previously described method based on survival analysis and corrected for ascertainment bias.


RESULTS
Mean age of onset in our sample was 34.5 years, with a significant earlier onset in males (31.1 vs. 35.9, P < 0.0001). The penetrance of FAP in our sample was estimated as 83% (95% CI: 66-99) after 60 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results provide new information on FAP in Brazilian patients and may be helpful in the genetic counseling of this population.
Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mariosaporta@gmail.com
M A C
MA
Saporta
C
C
Zaros
M W
MW
Cruz
C
C
André
M
M
Misrahi
C
C
Bonaïti-Pellié
V
V
Planté-Bordeneuve
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D028227:Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial / Q000235:genetics*; D001938:Brazil; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020125:Mutation, Missense; D019683:Penetrance; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000235:genetics*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012737:Sex Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D055815:Young Adult
D011228:Prealbumin