Relationship between the degree of individual space-time clustering and age at onset of disease among multiple sclerosis patients.
A previous study of 381 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from Norway has shown significant clustering of residence in adolescence among contemporaneous patients. Using a regression model with individual degree of clustering determined by Monte Carlo methods, this study utilizes the same data and shows a significant correlation (P = 0.002) between the degree of clustering and age at clinical onset of disease. A high degree of clustering in adolescence indicated a low age at clinical onset. This association was also verified independently of the regression model. The finding supports the theory of a common viral agent acting epidemically among nonpre-exposed individuals during adolescence, with MS developing in individuals with other necessary factors, such as a genetic predisposition.
Riise
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Section for Medical Informatics and Statistics, University of Bergen, Norway.
Klauber
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MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013029:Space-Time Clustering