Allergy, histamine 1 receptor blockers, and the risk of multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
It is unclear whether allergic diseases are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but histamine 1 receptor blockers, used in the treatment of allergic conditions, decreased the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (an animal model of MS).


OBJECTIVE
To assess the association of allergy history and use of histamine 1 receptor blockers with the risk of MS.


METHODS
Using a case-control study nested in the United Kingdom-based General Practice Research Database cohort, the authors identified 163 incident cases of MS with at least 3 years of follow-up before their first symptoms (index date). Up to 10 controls matched to the cases by age, sex, general practice, and time in the cohort were selected. Previous history of allergic disease and use of histamine 1 receptor blockers in the 3 years before the index date were assessed through computerized medical records.


RESULTS
History of any allergic condition in the 3 years before the index date was not associated with MS risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.8). However, use of sedating histamine 1 receptor blockers was associated with decreased MS risk (adjusted OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8).


CONCLUSIONS
These results do not support a strong link between allergic conditions and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk but suggest a possible beneficial effect of antihistamines on the onset of MS.
Alonso
Alvaro
A
Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. aalogut@alumni.unav.es
Jick
Susan S
SS
Hernán
Miguel A
MA
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors
D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists