Potential risk factors for multiple sclerosis in Rio de Janeiro: a case-control study.
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.
Silva
Kátia Regina Penha da
KR
Neurology Department, Hospital da Lagoa, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Alvarenga
Regina Maria Papais
RM
Fernandez Y Fernandez
Oscar
O
Alvarenga
Hélcio
H
Thuler
Luiz Claudio Santos
LC
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