Abstract
Both high body mass index (BMI) and smoking tobacco are known risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is unclear whether BMI, like smoking, is a risk factor for the secondary progressive (SP) course. We, therefore, sought to determine if high/low BMI at age 20 is associated to risk of SP development, in the context of smoking status. Using data from MS patients with BMI and smoking information available, we examined relapsing onset patients with MS onset after 20 years of age. Cox regressions were conducted on smokers and non-smokers, with BMI as the main exposure. In total, 5,598 relapsing onset MS patients were included. The models demonstrated that BMI > 30 was associated to increased risk of SPMS in smokers (hazard ratio 1.50, p = 0.036). This association of obesity at age 20 with increased risk of SP was not observed in non-smokers (hazard rate 0.97, p = 0.900). Since the risk is confined to smokers, the interaction observed may give insight to disease driving mechanisms.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which affects the central nervous system, characterized by degradation of myelin and axonal loss
The median pack years smoked before onset for body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 was 7.00, compared to 5.50 in the normal BMI group, 5.95 in the overweight group, and 4.93 in the obese group
Whether BMI confers independent risk from smoking for progression to secondary progressive (SP) disease has not been previously studied with large sample sizes
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which affects the central nervous system, characterized by degradation of myelin and axonal loss. Occurring in approximately 189 of 100,000 individuals in Sweden [1], MS most frequently occurs in bouts wherein symptoms occur during relapses, followed by periods during which the patient typically experiences a reduction of symptoms. Most such relapsing-remitting patients experience a change to continuous worsening of symptoms termed secondary progressive (SP) MS. Increasing the time to SP, as well as lessening relapse rates, is a goal of treatment
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