title: Potential risk factors for multiple sclerosis in Rio de Janeiro: a case-control study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate potential risk factors for the development of multiple sclerosis in Brazilian patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case control study was carried out in 81 patients enrolled at the Department of Neurology of the Hospital da Lagoa in Rio de Janeiro, and 81 paired controls. A standardized questionnaire on demographic, social and cultural variables, and medical and family history was used. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and conditional logistic regression models with the SPSS for Windows software program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Having standard vaccinations (vaccinations specified by the Brazilian government) (OR=16.2; 95% CI=2.3-115.2), smoking (OR=7.6; 95% CI=2.1-28.2), being single (OR=4.7; 95% CI=1.4-15.6) and eating animal brain (OR=3.4; 95% CI=1.2-9.8) increased the risk of developing MS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RESULTS of this study may contribute towards better awareness of the epidemiological characteristics of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis.
authors: Neurology Department, Hospital da Lagoa, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors: Kátia Regina Penha da
authors: KR
authors: Silva
authors: Regina Maria Papais
authors: RM
authors: Alvarenga
authors: Oscar
authors: O
authors: Fernandez Y Fernandez
authors: Hélcio
authors: H
authors: Alvarenga
authors: Luiz Claudio Santos
authors: LC
authors: Thuler
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires