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Space-time clustering of multiple sclerosis cases around birth
S van Buuren1, B M Zaadstra, C P Zwanikken
1TNO Prevention and Health, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|July 21, 1998
Abstract
Objectives:
To investigate whether infectious events around birth and during early infancy are likely to be of relevance in MS pathogenesis.
Subjects And Methods:
Data are available from two regions in The Netherlands: Groningen (n=320) and Rotterdam (n=226). Simultaneous clustering in birth date and birth location of MS cases is tested by the methods of Mantel, Knox and Jacquez.
Results:
No evidence was found for a space-time interaction between place and time of birth.
Conclusion:
Perinatal infectious events are unlikely to be a major factor in determining MS susceptibility.