Multiple sclerosis and environmental risk factors: a case-control study in Iran

Authors: Abbasi M, Nabavi SM, Fereshtehnejad SM, Jou NZ, Ansari I, Shayegannejad V, Mohammadianinejad SE, Farhoudi M, Noorian A, Razazian N, Abedini M, Faraji F

Year: 2017 Aug 10

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Neurol Sci

DOI: 10.1007/s10072-017-3080-9

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28799006

Abstract

Overview

This case-control study in Iran aimed to examine the link between various environmental factors and the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) among 660 MS patients and 421 controls.

Findings

  • Prematurity, history of common childhood diseases, breastfeeding, and past trauma were found to elevate MS risk.
  • Exposure to microwaves showed a significant correlation with an increased risk of MS, indicating a substantial environmental impact.
  • Frequent microwave use (more than 3 times a week) was considerably higher among MS cases compared to controls.
  • Sun exposure, dairy, calcium intake, and full childhood vaccination were associated with reduced risks of developing MS.

Conclusion

The study highlights significant modifiable environmental risk factors for MS, including stressful events and microwave exposure, as well as protective factors such as sun exposure and calcium consumption. The findings underscore the importance of these factors in the Iranian context where MS incidence is rising.

multiple sclerosis environmental factors case-control study Iran epidemiology microwave exposure risk factors
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