Is season of birth associated with multiple sclerosis?

Authors :: Salemi G
Ragonese P
Aridon P
Reggio A
Nicoletti A
Buffa D
Conte S
Savettieri G
Source :: Acta neurologica Scandinavica [Acta Neurol Scand] 2000 Jun; Vol. 101 (6), pp. 381-3.
Publication Year :: 2000
Abstract: Objective: To compare the monthly distribution of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' births with that of the Sicilian population.<br />Background: Studies on the association between season of birth and risk of MS are scanty and controversial.<br />Design and Methods: Archives of the Institute of Neuropsychiatry of the Universities of Palermo and Catania were searched up to 1995 for definite MS patients (McDonald & Halliday criteria). The monthly distribution of MS patients' births (N= 965) was compared with that of the Sicilian population (N= 5,608,307).<br />Results: The distribution of births among MS patients compared with the general population was not different when tested by the chi2 statistic (P> 0.25). The Hewitt's non-parametric test for seasonality showed an excess of births between June and November among MS patients (P=0.004).<br />Conclusion: A different pattern of MS patients' births is observed in Sicily and in Northern countries.