Parity and secondary progression in multiple sclerosis. Issue 6 (15th May 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koch, M; Uyttenboogaart, M; Heersema, D; Steen, C; De Keyser, J
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 80:Issue 6(2009)
• Page Start: 676
• Page End: 678
• Publication Date: 2009-05-15
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.160911
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Pregnancy has a well-documented effect on relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS), whereas little is known about the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on the risk of secondary progression. Objective: To investigate the association of parity and secondary progression in women with MS. Methods: The association of the number of births and secondary progression was studied in a hospital-based cohort of 277 women with MS. Data were analysed in a multivariable logistic regression model, with adjustment for possible confounders. Results: Parity was not independently associated with secondary progression, while the factors disease duration (OR per year increase: 1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09) and use of immunomodulatory treatments (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.65) were independently associated with secondary progression. Conclusion: We found no evidence that parity influences the risk of secondary progression in MS. Further population-based studies on the association of pregnancy and childbirth on the long-term prognosis of MS are needed.