A case-control study on multiple sclerosis in Alcoi

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis (EM) is a neurological disorder of great epidemiological interest. Considerable variations have been described regarding the initial description of geographical distribution. In the Alcoi health district an epidemiological study, showed more cases than would be expected from the latitude. Objective. To carry out an analytical study to determine which factors influence this situation. Material and methods. We carried out a case-control study, pairing one case with four controls from the population, as regards age, sex and place of residence. Only current cases were included under the control of the only Neurology Unit in the area, and which fulfilled criteria defined by EM. The control group was randomly selected from the census. Results. We analyzed 37 patients and 148 controls. There were no significant differences between the cases and the controls regarding socio-educational level, order of birth within the family, blood group, toxic habits and family history. We found a significantly greater frequency of urinary infections before the age of 15, and of cystitis and pneumonia after reaching the age of 15. Contact with textiles, their finished products and dogs reached significant values. In the patient group there was a significantly higher number of immigrants than in the control group. Conclusions. The correlation found between certain factors such as contact with textiles, their finished products and dogs should be evaluated in further studies in which the immigration factor is controlled [REV NEUROL 1997; 25: 1399-1401].