How do autoimmune diseases cluster in families? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A primary characteristic of complex genetic diseases is that affected individuals tend to cluster in families (that is, familial aggregation). Aggregation of the same autoimmune condition, also referred to as familial autoimmune disease, has been extensively evaluated. However, aggregation of diverse autoimmune diseases, also known as familial autoimmunity, has been overlooked. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed aimed at gathering evidence about this topic.

Methods

Familial autoimmunity was investigated in five major autoimmune diseases, namely, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analys

SUBMITTER: Cardenas-Roldan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3655934 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature