[Genetics of Crohn disease: study of the HLA association in 169 patients]

HLA DR and DQ RFLP analysis in Crohn's disease

A study of 109 Swedish patients and 85 healthy Swedish controls with Crohn's disease (CD) by HLA class II RFLP genotyping was carried out. There was no significant association for any single DR or DQ specificity or phenotypic combination of DR and/or DQ specificities among our study group of Caucasian extraction.

Monozygotic triplets with Crohn's disease of the colon

Female monozygotic triplets all developed Crohn's disease within a period of 11 mo. The monozygosity was demonstrated by analysis of 24 genetic markers of different chromosomal localization. Crohn's disease was diagnosed using clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic findings. Histologic evaluation of bowel tissue was consistent with Crohn's disease. All 3 patients had colon involvement; the terminal ileum appeared normal. The patient in whom Crohn's disease was first diagnosed had the severest course. Our observations support the role of a genetic influence in the manifestation of Crohn's disease. Nevertheless, environmental factors or microorganisms, or both, have to be taken into account, perhaps as factors promoting the outbreak of Crohn's disease.