FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Risk
of multiple sclerosis highest for births in
May
Conclusive evidence of MS risk linked to birth
month
Toronto,
ON, December 6 - The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada announced
the results of a study that has conclusively linked birth month
with the risk of developing MS. The study of more than 42,000
individuals with MS in Canada, Great Britain, Sweden and Denmark
shows that MS risk is greatest for those born in May and lowest
among November births.
The
results are being published on the online edition of the British
Medical Journal. The study was funded by the MS Scientific
Research Foundation which is related to the MS Society of Canada.
Canadian
researchers Dr. A. Dessa Sadovnick from the University of British
Columbia and Professor George Ebers from Oxford University led
the study as part of their work with a larger project, the Canadian
Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility to MS.
"Through
the collaborative efforts of European and Canadian researchers,
we’ve been able to identify a link between month of birth
and MS risk. The conclusions we’ve made offer those with
a genetic susceptibility to MS a potential tool that could be
used for family planning,” says Dr. Sadovnick.
Professor
Ebers adds: “This is an additional finding implicating
the gestational or neonatal period in the cause of what is
essentially an adult disease. The findings probably relate
to the recent observation seen in half-brothers/sisters that
the mother contributes most of the risk of MS seen in her offspring,
whether or not she is affected. We think the environment acts
in gestation to influence risk. This is unexpected but critical
for thinking about how to prevent the disease.”
Researchers studied detailed demographic, clinical and family
history data from Canadian subjects through the Genetic
Susceptibility project as well as incident cases in Scotland
and Denmark and death certificate records from Great Britain.
The largest effect was seen in Scotland where the risk for May
births was double that for November.
Overall, individuals born in November have a 19% lower risk
to develop MS as compared to those born in May. Coincidently,
May is recognized as MS Awareness Month in Canada.
About
the Canadian Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility
The MS Scientific Research Foundation, which is related to
the MS Society of Canada, has funded the Canadian Collaborative
Project on Genetic Susceptibility since 1993. This multi-centre,
collaborative project is the world’s largest study of
genetic susceptibility and genetic epidemiology in multiple
sclerosis. Discoveries from the study have led to publication
in almost 20 leading medical journals as well as international
attention and acclaim. Funding for the study now totals $13
million, including a $3.2 million grant awarded in April 2004
to fund phase four of the project. The study continues until
2007 and will build upon findings of the first three phases.
About
the MS Society of Canada and MS Scientific Research Foundation
The MS Society of Canada and the MS Scientific Research Foundation
are the largest funders of MS research in Canada. The MS Society
raises funds almost entirely through individual and corporate
donations and fund raising events across the country. The MS
Society uses these funds to support research and services for
people with MS and their families.
The
MS Scientific Research Foundation was established in 1973.
It supports large cooperative multi-disciplinary research
projects that are beyond the scope of the MS Society’s
regular granting program.
Founded
in 1948, the MS Society has a membership of 28,000, with seven
regional divisions and nearly 120 chapters.
For
more information:
Stewart Wong
Manager, Media Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
416-967-3025
stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
Deanna
Groetzinger
Vice-President, Communications
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
416-967-3007
deanna.groetzinger@mssociety.ca
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