Association Between Sun Exposure and Risk of Relapse in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Environmental Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) risk is linked to low sun and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure.
• The impact of sun exposure on the disease course of pediatric MS remains under-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between early childhood sun exposure and relapse risk in pediatric MS.
• To examine the effect of more recent sun exposure on pediatric MS relapse risk.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter cohort study included 334 participants with pediatric-onset MS.
• Environmental questionnaires and zip code data assessed sun exposure and UVR.
• Multivariable Cox regression models analyzed the relationship between sun exposure and relapse risk, adjusting for covariates.

Main Results:

• Daily sun exposure of ≥30 minutes in the first year of life was associated with a lower risk of relapse (aHR 0.67).
• Increased sun exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy also correlated with reduced relapse risk (aHR 0.68).
• Sun exposure and UVR dose later in life did not show a significant association with relapse risk.

Conclusions:

• Greater early childhood and prenatal sun exposure are linked to a lower risk of relapse in pediatric MS.
• Further research is needed to understand the impact of sun exposure timing on MS disease course.
• Findings may inform future interventions for managing pediatric MS.