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Macrocytosis in multiple sclerosis. A study in 82 de novo Arab patients
A S Najim al-Din1, M Khojali, H Habbosh
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University.
Abstract:
Macrocytosis, without anaemia, was common in 82 de novo multiple sclerosis patients compared with a similar number of age and sex matched controls. This was an early phenomenon in the course of the disease and was not influenced by the age of the patients nor the duration of the disease. None of the patients proved to have pernicious anaemia, yet the similarity in the geographical and sex distribution as well as the similarity in HLA associations of multiple sclerosis and pernicious anaemia may indicate that both diseases are under similar genetic influence.
Insights
Macrocytosis, an enlarged red blood cell condition, is common in early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This finding suggests a potential shared genetic link between MS and pernicious anaemia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Macrocytosis, characterized by larger-than-normal red blood cells, is a hematological finding.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of macrocytosis in patients newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- To explore potential correlations between macrocytosis, disease characteristics, and pernicious anaemia.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 82 de novo multiple sclerosis patients with age- and sex-matched controls.
- Clinical data and hematological parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Macrocytosis was significantly more common in new-onset multiple sclerosis patients compared to controls.
- The presence of macrocytosis was not associated with patient age or disease duration.
- No patients were diagnosed with pernicious anaemia, despite observed similarities.
Conclusions:
- Macrocytosis is an early, prevalent finding in multiple sclerosis, independent of age and disease duration.
- Shared geographical, sex, and HLA associations between MS and pernicious anaemia suggest potential common genetic underpinnings.