Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Ambient air quality and occurrence of multiple sclerosis relapse
M Oikonen1, M Laaksonen, P Laippala
1Aerobiology Unit, University of Turku, Finland. mervi.oikonen@utu.fi
Abstract:
Infectious viruses and bacteria can trigger multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations. Seasonally changing concentrations of ambient air pollutants are known to predispose to transmissible infections, to induce systemic immune responses and to enhance existing peripheral inflammation. Ambient air quality and monthly MS relapse occurrence in south-western Finland were compared by multivariate logistic regression. The odds ratio of the risk of a relapse onset was over fourfold (4.143, p < 0.001) when the concentration of inhalable particulate matter (PM(10)) was at the highest quartile. Inhalable airborne particulate matter concentrations were connected to relapse occurrence. Poor air quality may enhance the seasonal changes in MS relapse occurrence by an increased susceptibility to transmissible infections.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

