summary: Although the cause of MS is unknown, environmental factors seem to play an important role in its development. In countries further away from the equator, the incidence of MS is believed to be higher than in countries that are closer to it. The findings of this study confirmed that the higher the degree of latitude, the higher the risk of the first inflammatory-demyelinating episodes suggestive of MS. Furthermore, the authors found that in areas further away from the equator, this increase in the incidence of first episodes suggestive of MS, was significantly higher in men than in women. Also, they found that the increase in the incidence of some types of first episodes, such as optic neuritis, was significantly higher than that for other types of episodes, such as spinal cord syndrome. This study will help us understand better the pathogenesis of MS.

authors: Taylor BV, Lucas RM, Dear K, Kilpatrick TJ, Pender MP, van der Mei IA, Chapman C, Coulthard A, Dwyer T, McMichael AJ, Valery PC, Williams D, Ponsonby AL

source: Mult Scler. 2010 Feb 18

weblink: click here

category: Epidemiology

related research news: click here

glossary: