No Effect of Parental Age on Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Study
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Medical Update Memo
January 21, 2010
Summary
It is known that advanced maternal or paternal age is associated with the appearance of different diseases in offspring, including chromosomal abnormalities and adult-onset disorders. In this paper the authors aimed to investigate whether a more advanced parental age was associated with a higher risk of MS in offspring. Neuroepidemiology. 2009 Dec 24;34(2):106-109. [Epub ahead of print]
Details
Genetic and environmental factors have important roles in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. A clear parent-of-origin effect has been shown in several populations. Advanced maternal age has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in offspring including chromosomal abnormalities. Advanced paternal age is associated with a number of adult onset disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
In a population-based Canadian cohort, researchers investigated whether there is any difference in parental age at birth for MS index cases compared to spouse controls. Using the longitudinal Canadian database, 5,681 MS index cases and 1,249 spouse controls with complete information on parental dates of birth were identified, thereby allowing a calculation of the maternal and paternal ages at the birth of their children (MS index cases and spouse controls).
No significant difference in maternal or paternal age at birth was found (average MS index case maternal age at birth = 27.3 years, average spouse control maternal age at birth = 27.0 years, p = 0.13; average MS index case paternal age at birth = 30.7 years, average spouse control paternal age at birth = 30.2 years, p = 0.37).
Researchers conclude that parental age at birth is not associated with susceptibility to MS.
National Research and Programs
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Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health
agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy,
but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.
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