Maximum-likelihood estimation of familial correlations from multivariate quantitative data on pedigrees: a general method and examples

Am J Hum Genet. 1987 Dec;41(6):1104-16.

Abstract

A general method for maximum-likelihood estimation of familial correlations from pedigree data is presented. The method is applicable to any type of data structure, including pedigrees in which variable numbers of individuals are present within classes of relatives, data in which multiple phenotypic measures are obtained on each individual, and multiple group analyses in which some correlations are equated across groups. The method is applied to data on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels obtained from participants in the Swedish Twin Family Study. Results indicate that there is strong familial resemblance for both traits but little cross-trait resemblance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cholesterol, HDL / genetics
  • Diseases in Twins
  • Genetics, Medical*
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Pedigree*
  • Probability

Substances

  • Cholesterol, HDL