Multiple sclerosis in Northern Sardinia, Italy: a methodological approach for genetic epidemiological studies

The etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unclear. However, genetic factors are believed to be important in disease susceptibility. A methodological approach is presented for a population-based study aimed at investigating MS familial incidence and patterns of familial clustering in Northern Sardinia, Italy, with a reported MS prevalence of 150/100,000 population. Patients with MS since 1965 to the present and known to the MS Register for the province of Sassari will be asked to provide genealogical, comorbid and demographic information. Statistical analyses of the familial risk for MS will depend on the completeness of MS 'age at onset' data for affected individuals and age at the time family history is obtained (or age at death) for unaffected family members.