1Roshanak Mehdipour Dastjerdi, 1Fereshteh Ashtari
1Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; 2Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Isfahan, Iran
Background:
The knowledge about gender based different characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) is important to find new strategies for further managing and treatment. On the other hand patientˈs sex can be an important risk factor for incidence and also prognosis of multiple sclerosis.
Objective(s)
The aim of this epidemiologic study is to evaluate the gender based clinical and imaging differences among multiple sclerosis patients in Iran.
Material(s) and Method(s):
This is an epidemiological study done in Isfahan Kashani MS clinic as a referral MS center. Overall 1781 patients enrolled the survey with informed consent. The epidemiological questionnaire including 6 question areas (including patients demographics, Family history, MS diagnosis, course of disease, disability and complications, treatment) filled by neurologist for all patients. Pathological findings of the first brain MRI reported by a neuroradiologist in 500 cases (120 men vs 380 women).
Result(s):
75.9% were female with mean age of 36.66±9.94 years and the others (24.1%) were male patients with mean age of 36.60±10.40 years. The mean of disease duration and EDSS didn’t differ between genders. The age at disease onset was higher in men with 32.95 ±12.31 years (p: 0.009). Also smoking(cigarette and hookah) was more popular in male patients (p ˂0.001). The history of head trauma, type 2 diabetes, pulmonary disease, hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders were more prevalent in female cases. Among signs of MS, both optic neuritis and motor disturbance were higher in female group. There was not any statistical differences between type of drugs. In the first brain MRI,infratentorial and thalamic lesions were more prevalent in men but early cortical atrophy and tumefactive lesions were reported more in women.
Conclusion(s):
The role of sex and genetic, beside to the environmental and acquired factors, is important in both incidence and prognosis of MS. Since there is not any specific diagnostic test for MS, considering gender based characteristics can be helpful in its diagnosis and management.