Complex segregation analysis of hypospadias.

Hypospadias, when the urethra opens on the ventral side of the penis, is a common malformation seen in about 3 per 1000 male births. It is considered a complex disorder with both genetic and environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis. Low birth weight is known to be an important risk factor for hypospadias, but several observations speak in favour of genetic factors as well. In order to delineate the relative contribution of the genetic factors behind hypospadias, we performed a complex segregation analysis of 2005 pedigrees in Sweden. The probands were ascertained through the departments of paediatric surgery and departments of plastic surgery and urology in Sweden where boys with hypospadias undergo surgery. In 7% of the ascertained families one or more additional cases of hypospadias were present. The complex segregation analysis showed a heritability of 0.99 and evidence for multifactorial inheritance. The results suggest that hypospadias might be due to monogenic effects in a small proportion of the families, but that there is a multifactorial cause for the majority of the cases.

Heredity of hypospadias and the significance of low birth weight.

PURPOSE: We analyzed a large group of patients with hypospadias regarding familial aggregation, phenotype, twin rate and ethnic origin and assessed the correlation of low birth weight with hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We mailed questionnaires to 2,503 boys operated on for hypospadias in Sweden asking for additional cases of hypospadias in the family, the number of brothers in the nuclear family, and birth weight of the boys with hypospadias and their brothers. RESULTS: Of the boys 7% reported 1 or more additional family members with hypospadias. The birth weight of the boys with hypospadias was significantly lower (p = 5 x 10-13) than the birth weight of their unaffected brothers. Phenotyping of 676 individuals revealed glandular hypospadias in 53%, penile forms in 39%, penoscrotal or perineal variants in 6% and cleaved prepuce as the only manifestation in 2%. There were 50% more twins than expected compared to the general population and established zygosity in 83% (67% monozygotic, 33% dizygotic). Non-Swedish ethnicity was noted in 22% of the subjects, a third of whom were from Middle Eastern countries. CONCLUSIONS: We present data on heredity, birth weight, phenotype and ethnic origin in a large group of patients with hypospadias. The finding of additional members with hypospadias in 7% of the families supports the concept that genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis. The strong association with low birth weight may be explained by genetic and environmental factors.