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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Is Crohn's Genetic?
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Is Crohn's Genetic?
by Beata-Thorstensen, Nov 16, 1998 12:00AM
My partner has Crohn's. He and I have begun to contemplate having a child, but I'm curious to know whether or not our child would be at significant risk of developing the disease. There is no evidence of Crohn's in my family. Thank you.
Dear Beata,
Although genetic influences clearly play a role in Crohn’s disease, the studies do not show a particular mode of inheritance pattern that is responsible for this disorder. This suggests that environmental influences must also play a role in the clinical expression of Crohn’s disease. Certain ethnic groups, particularly Ashkenazi Jews, have a greater incidence of Crohn’s disease than age and gender matched control groups. Many family studies have shown a greater than expected incidence of Crohn’s disease among relatives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A family study examining the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease in relatives of Ashkenazi Jews with Crohn’s disease concluded that the age adjusted risk of inflammatory bowel disease was higher in offspring (15.8%) and siblings (10.4%) than in parents (2.2%). Twin studies show an increased rate of concordance for Crohn’s disease in identical twin pairs compared with fraternal twins or other siblings. However, the concordance rate is not 100%. It is only about 50%. Genetic marker studies also point to genetic influences in Crohn’s disease. Therefore, it is felt that Crohn’s diseases exhibits a polygenic mode of inheritance with environmental factors playing a significant role in clinical expression. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you wish to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians’ Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: Crohn’s disease, genetic influences
Dear Beata,
Although genetic influences clearly play a role in Crohn’s disease, the studies do not show a particular mode of inheritance pattern that is responsible for this disorder. This suggests that environmental influences must also play a role in the clinical expression of Crohn’s disease. Certain ethnic groups, particularly Ashkenazi Jews, have a greater incidence of Crohn’s disease than age and gender matched control groups. Many family studies have shown a greater than expected incidence of Crohn’s disease among relatives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A family study examining the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease in relatives of Ashkenazi Jews with Crohn’s disease concluded that the age adjusted risk of inflammatory bowel disease was higher in offspring (15.8%) and siblings (10.4%) than in parents (2.2%). Twin studies show an increased rate of concordance for Crohn’s disease in identical twin pairs compared with fraternal twins or other siblings. However, the concordance rate is not 100%. It is only about 50%. Genetic marker studies also point to genetic influences in Crohn’s disease. Therefore, it is felt that Crohn’s diseases exhibits a polygenic mode of inheritance with environmental factors playing a significant role in clinical expression. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you wish to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians’ Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: Crohn’s disease, genetic influences
