The clinical data of 217 asthma-affected sib pair families who had been recruited to conduct a genome-wide scan with 408 microsatellite markers was analysed and interpreted. This set of data was derived from standardized questionnaires, skin prick tests and analysis of specific IgE-antibodies to inhalant allergens.
An asthma score indicating the severity of the disease was established on the basis of clinical parameters, subsequently followed by an investigation for possible influences.
An early onset of the disease, specific triggers of asthma attacks – especially physical exercise – as well as specific sensitization to common inhalant allergens – in particular, the sensitization to cat allergen – seem to influence asthma severity significantly.
In addition, the correlation between specific allergic sensitization in asthmatic children and in their parents was investigated. Thus, for nearly all inhalant allergens, which were under consideration, one can conclude that a specific allergic sensitization in children is significantly associated with a specific sensitization to the same allergen in both of their parents. Furthermore, some specific allergies in children seem to be stronger influenced by paternal than by maternal sensitization.
Several clinical characteristics of the disease show a stronger correlation between affected siblings than between non-related asthmatics.
The combination of the present data with the results of the genome-wide scan could further advance the clarification of the pathogenesis of asthma with its complex genetic and environmental interactions.
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The clinical data of 217 asthma-affected sib pair families who had been recruited to conduct a genome-wide scan with 408 microsatellite markers was analysed and interpreted. This set of data was derived from standardized questionnaires, skin prick tests and analysis of specific IgE-antibodies to inhalant allergens.
An asthma score indicating the severity of the disease was established on the basis of clinical parameters, subsequently followed by an investigation for possible influences.
An ear...
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