Frequency of family forms of multiple sclerosis in a center in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Familial multiple sclerosis(fMS) is defined as multiple sclerosis cases occurring in at least two family members, and there is no data on the recurrence risk of fMS in the Brazilian population. This study estimated the multiple sclerosis recurrence risk in patient families in RJ and investigated the relationship with Caucasian and African ancestry. A study was conducted in RJ (Brazil), with 197 patients followed by a RJ specialized outpatient clinic. Recurrence risks were calculated by relative MS patient categories through Age-adjusted and Crude recurrence risks. fMS frequency (7.10%) was identified in the RJ study population. The risk of Age-adjusted recurrence (ARR) was high among grandparents, at 2.72 (95% CI 2.16 - 3.28). Concerning the parent relationship, ARR was 1.57 (95% CI 1.36 - 1.78) and increased to 1.76 (95% CI 1.41 - 2.11) in the presence of a European ancestor. Among uncles/aunts, a significant increase from 1.42 (95% CI 1.01 - 1.83) to 2.91 (95% CI 2.28 - 3.54) risk in individuals with Caucasian ancestry was observed, and to 2.65 (95% CI 2.02 - 3.27) in individuals with African ancestry. A higher risk among individuals with Caucasian ancestry was observed compared to Afro-descendant ancestry.