A timing-of-birth effect on multiple sclerosis clinical phenotype

Neurology. 2007 Jul 3;69(1):60-2. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000265053.22905.64.

Abstract

Background: A month-of-birth (MOB) effect has been shown in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Our chi(2) analyses looked at whether this MOB effect differed by MS phenotype ("bout onset," "primary progressive").

Results: The MOB effect was derived from "bout onset" MS patients (May/November ratio = 1.43; chi(2) = 17.32, df = 1, p = 0.000032).

Conclusions: An unspecified environmental effect in early development can influence both multiple sclerosis susceptibility and phenotype.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / epidemiology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / epidemiology*
  • Parturition*
  • Phenotype
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Seasons*
  • Sex Ratio
  • Siblings