K Taylor1, J Stein. 1. University Laboratory of Physiology, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK. kathleen.taylor@physiol.ox.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Developmental dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning disability characterised by unexpectedly poor reading and unknown aetiology. One hypothesis proposes excessive platelet activating factor, a potent vasodilator, as a contributor, implying that there should be a negative association between dyslexia and high blood pressure (HBP). Since both conditions have a partial genetic basis, this association may be apparent at the familial level. AIMS: To test this prediction in dyslexic and non-dyslexic children. METHODS: Individuals and families with (HBP+) and without (HBP-) a family history of HBP were compared. RESULTS: Proportionately fewer dyslexics (49/112) than controls (11/12) were HBP+. Families with multiple, all dyslexic children were less likely to be HBP+ (7/16) than those with a non-dyslexic child (11/11). Within families, mean child scores on reading were higher in the HBP+ group (mean 44.3, SE 0.95) than in the HBP- group (mean 40.3, SE 0.87). CONCLUSION: HBP+ family history is associated with better performance on reading. The prediction of a negative association between dyslexic status and familial high blood pressure is therefore confirmed.
BACKGROUND:Developmental dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning disability characterised by unexpectedly poor reading and unknown aetiology. One hypothesis proposes excessive platelet activating factor, a potent vasodilator, as a contributor, implying that there should be a negative association between dyslexia and high blood pressure (HBP). Since both conditions have a partial genetic basis, this association may be apparent at the familial level. AIMS: To test this prediction in dyslexic and non-dyslexicchildren. METHODS: Individuals and families with (HBP+) and without (HBP-) a family history of HBP were compared. RESULTS: Proportionately fewer dyslexics (49/112) than controls (11/12) were HBP+. Families with multiple, all dyslexic children were less likely to be HBP+ (7/16) than those with a non-dyslexicchild (11/11). Within families, mean child scores on reading were higher in the HBP+ group (mean 44.3, SE 0.95) than in the HBP- group (mean 40.3, SE 0.87). CONCLUSION:HBP+ family history is associated with better performance on reading. The prediction of a negative association between dyslexic status and familial high blood pressure is therefore confirmed.
Authors: W K Bleeker; J L Teeling; A J Verhoeven; G M Rigter; J Agterberg; A T Tool; A H Koenderman; T W Kuijpers; C E Hack Journal: Blood Date: 2000-03-01 Impact factor: 22.113
Authors: K E Taylor; C J Higgins; C M Calvin; J A Hall; T Easton; A M McDaid; A J Richardson Journal: Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids Date: 2000 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 4.006
Authors: Thomas S Scerri; Silvia Paracchini; Andrew Morris; I Laurence MacPhie; Joel Talcott; John Stein; Shelley D Smith; Bruce F Pennington; Richard K Olson; John C DeFries; Anthony P Monaco; Alex J Richardson Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-10-28 Impact factor: 3.240