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Abstract
Objective: To identify phenotypic features of febrile seizures that can be used to reduce heterogeneity and thereby increase power in linkage analysis.
Background: Despite exciting discoveries in several rare pedigrees, the genetic basis of common febrile seizures remains a mystery. The major drawback of studying common febrile seizure disorder is etiologic and genetic heterogeneity. A linkage sample must therefore be classified a priori on phenotypic criteria likely to reflect genetically homogeneous subgroups.
Methods: Eighty-three cases (children with one or more febrile seizure plus first-degree family history of febrile seizures) and 101 controls (children with one or more febrile seizure but no first-degree family history of febrile seizures) were compared for association of phenotypic features in an unmatched case-control design. Odds ratios were calculated using univariate and multivariate methods.
Results: Recurrent febrile seizures was the only phenotypic feature significantly associated with first-degree family history of febrile seizures (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.88). First-degree family history and later occurrence of afebrile seizures (OR 3.47, 95% CI 0.94 to 12.78) were independently associated with recurrent febrile seizures. Complex features did not show familial aggregation.
Conclusions: The authors suggest recurrent and afebrile seizures as criteria on which to subgroup a linkage sample. These subgroups will not be evident at the time of the initial febrile seizure. Meticulous and prospective collection of phenotypic and family data are recommended.
- Received March 21, 2002.
- Accepted in final form September 30, 2002.
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