Related Experiment Videos
Multiple sclerosis sibling pairs: clustered onset and familial predisposition
T H Doolittle1, R H Myers, J R Lehrich
1Neuroimmunology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Abstract:
We evaluated 48 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (R/R MS) sibling pairs derived from 44 families for age and date of onset of MS symptoms, clinical course, and family history of MS. Age- and sex-matched R/R MS clinic patients provided a statistical comparison group. The age of onset tended to cluster within multiplex families. The initial symptom of MS occurred within 5 years of age in 30/48 sibling pairs compared with 16/48 controls. A positive family history of MS (other than siblings) was present in 43% of the multiplex families compared with 20% among simplex controls. In 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-degree relatives who had lived into the age at risk, 22/1,134 family members of multiplex sibling pairs had probable or definite MS compared with 10/1,215 control family members. Age of onset clustering in siblings concordant for R/R MS and an increased risk of MS in other family members suggest that factors influencing disease onset may be in part inherited in these kindreds.
Insights
Genetic factors may influence multiple sclerosis (MS) onset. Siblings with relapsing-remitting MS (R/R MS) showed earlier symptom onset, and MS risk increased in other relatives from multiplex families.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Understanding the genetic and familial factors influencing MS onset is crucial for disease management and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial aggregation and inheritance patterns of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (R/R MS).
- To analyze the age of onset, clinical course, and family history of MS in sibling pairs and their relatives.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 48 R/R MS sibling pairs from 44 families.
- Comparison with age- and sex-matched R/R MS clinic patients.
- Analysis of MS onset age, clinical course, family history, and MS prevalence in relatives.
Main Results:
- Age of MS onset tended to cluster within multiplex families, with siblings showing earlier onset compared to controls.
- A positive family history of MS (excluding siblings) was more common in multiplex families (43%) than simplex controls (20%).
- MS prevalence was higher in relatives of multiplex sibling pairs (22/1,134) compared to control family members (10/1,215).
Conclusions:
- Clustering of age of onset in R/R MS siblings suggests inherited factors influence disease onset.
- Increased MS risk in other family members of multiplex sibling pairs further supports a genetic component in MS etiology.