Scattering Month and Day of Baby Delivery in a Retrospective Survey Linked to 1484 Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease leading to formation of brain lesions that could produce numerous devastating clinical problems. There are controversial reports related to the type of association of MS with the seasons of birth. Objectives: This study aimed to rank and describe the effect of different months and days of birth on MS. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. A total of 1484 patients with MS were included: 1111 females and 373 males. Demographic and clinical data were recorded in a database and were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The population of females with MS had surpassed that of males (75 vs. 25). The mean age of patients was 34.7 years (range from 7 to 88 years) with 85 of population being younger than 50 years old. The season of birth was winter in 21 of patients. There was a decreased risk of MS in those born in February and March. The prevalence of MS increased from April and reached a peak in May and September. Day of birth was associated with the birthday on 19th day of month in 44 of patients. Conclusions: This investigation supports earlier reports of increased and diminished prevalence of MS in those born in the spring and winter months, respectively. Pharmacotherapy using vitamin D might have beneficial effect in Iranian population, especially in females during pregnancy and their newborns. Therefore, further clinical researches focused on prescription of vitamin D, genetic, daily photoperiod, and geo-epidemiologic differences of disease are recommended.