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The Validation of Medical Histories in Kindreds
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| Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings. |
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In the review of the article on the validity of the assessment of a family history of melanoma and dysplastic nevi, Pasquini1 underscores the importance of validating probands' health information about members of their kindreds with an independent source. The reviewed authors2 did extend their evaluations of the family's medical histories to include both first- and second-degree relatives, even though recent guidelines on the care of patients with melanoma recommend only investigation of first-degree relatives. In the evaluation of an autosomal dominant disorder, it is imperative to evaluate at least through the second-degree relatives. In the instances of small kindreds, it is necessary to have medical histories beyond second-degree relatives.
An analysis of the methods section of the reviewed article2 reveals weaknesses in the investigation. The family histories obtained from probands were verified only when possible or definite family histories of melanoma were reported by the proband. Reported negative family . . . [Full Text of this Article]
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