Pediatric multiple sclerosis and its familial recurrence: A population based study (1999-2017)

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) accounts for 3-10% of all MS cases and is rising globally.
• POMS risk is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors during childhood and adolescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of POMS in Tehran.
• To assess the epidemiology of familial recurrence of POMS.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from 1999 to 2017.
• Data from 1937 pediatric MS patients (≤18 years) were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The point prevalence of POMS in Tehran was 16.20 per 100,000 in 2017.
• Females represented 77.80% of cases, with the female-to-male ratio increasing with age (3.69:1 in 13-18 year olds).
• A positive familial history of MS was found in 14.9% of cases, with the strongest association in second-degree maternal relatives (OR=2.27).

Conclusions:

• Tehran exhibits a high prevalence of POMS compared to other large studies.
• POMS risk is higher in females, and this disparity widens post-puberty.
• A significant association exists between POMS and familial history, particularly in maternal second-degree relatives, warranting further investigation.