TABLE 4.

Red Flags in a Family History^*

Multiple relatives affected with the same disorder or related disorders

Earlier-than-expected age at onset of disease

Intellectual disability (formerly referred to as developmental delay or mental retardation)

Diagnosis of a disease in the less-often-affected sex (e.g., breast cancer in a male)

Multifocal or bilateral occurrence in paired organs

At least one major malformation, with or without minor manifestations

Disease in the absence of risk factors or after preventive measures

Abnormalities in growth (growth retardation, asymmetric or excessive growth)

Recurrent pregnancy losses

Consanguinity (blood relationship between parents)

*Adapted from Core Principles in Family History: Interpretation. National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics. http://www.nchpeg.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199&Itemid=126. Accessed February 22, 2013.