Distortion of Birth Distribution in Multiple Sclerosis: Relation to Season, Gender and Residential Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/v10251-012-0053-3Keywords
multiple sclerosis, month of birth, gender, residenceAbstract
Introduction. Season of birth may influence risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in higher geographic latitudes.
Aim of the study is to determine if seasonal birth distribution of MS people is associated with risk of the disease in Poland.
Material and method . This study included 436 MS patients (M - 171, F - 265) who were born in the years 1918-1995 and died in the year 2007 in Poland. Data on month of birth, gender, diagnosis and place of the last residence were obtained from the Central Statistical Office. Monthly birth distribution in registered MS cohort was compared to month of birth in expected MS people from collected group and from the general population. Analysis was carried out using chi square test and Fisher’s exact test.
Results . The greatest number of birth in observed MS cohort was found in April as compared to the number of expected MS group (59 vs. 36.3; p=0.001) or to expected MS assemblage from the general population (59 vs. 40.2; p=0.003). Observed monthly birth distribution was different from the expected monthly birth pattern in MS cohort (p=0.008), but not from the expected distribution in MS assemblage from the general population (p=0.223). April/November birth ratio (59:28) significantly increased; p=0.001. Seasonal birth distribution was significantly different in MS females (p=0.019), but not in MS males (p=0.476). The greater number of provinces was resided by April born than by November born MS patients (p=0.037 for M and p=0.025 for F).
Conclusions . Higher MS risk was associated with birth in April. Difference in seasonal birth distribution of MS patients indicates association of spring born women with development of the disease.
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