title: [Every fifth case of multiple sclerosis is familial].
abstract: Up to 20% of all multiple sclerosis (MS) cases are familial. The concordance rates for monozygotic and dizygotic twins are 25-30% and 3-5% respectively. Certain isolated regions have a higher prevalence of MS. An estimated 30% of the disease heritability is accounted for, mostly by common risk alleles. Interpretation of risk alleles, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions is challenging, but all are believed to be important factors in the development of MS. Isolates and MS families are warranted for further research concerning these issues.
authors.affiliation: Neurologisk Ambulatorium, Forskningsenheden, Sygehus Sønderjylland, Sydvang 1, 6400 Sønderborg. sbinzer@health.sdu.dk.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Binzer
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Binzer
authors.forename: Kirsten Ohm
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: Kyvik
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Imrell
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hillert
authors.forename: Egon
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stenager
mesh_terms: D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D010375:Pedigree; D012307:Risk Factors