Birth link to MS challenged
Friday November 27th, 2009
The UK's largest multiple sclerosis charity has voiced reservations over findings that childbirth may slow progression of the disease.
Researchers from Belgium followed disease progression in 330 female multiple sclerosis patients for an average of 18 years.
Two hundred and fifty women had given birth before or after the start of symptoms. These women were 34 per cent less likely to progress than childless women. If children were born after symptoms began, the rate of progression was 39 per cent lower than for childless women.
Women who had children took longer to progress - an average of 22 to 23 years versus 13 to 15 years. The study appears in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
The researchers, led by Dr Marie D'hooghe of the Nationaal MS Centrum in Belgium, say: "These results seem to support a possible favourable long term effect of childbirth on the course of multiple sclerosis."
However, Dr Susan Kohlhaas of the MS Society, pointed out: "It is difficult to form any meaningful conclusions from this research given the small size of the study and its flaws."
For example, she says it was a small study, the results did not reach statistical significance, and there were important differences between the groups of women the researchers were comparing. Women with more severe forms of multiple sclerosis may decide not to have a baby due to fear of triggering a relapse, or inability to take care of a baby during a relapse.
Other factors were also ignored, such as Disease Modifying Drugs, age at diagnosis, lifestyle factors and genetics, she adds.
"Further studies will hopefully clarify the effects of pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis," Dr Kohlhaas said.
D'hooghe, M. B., Nagels, G. and Uitdehaag, B. M. J. Long term effects of childbirth in MS. The Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, published online November 25, 2009.
Tags: Brain & Neurology | Childbirth and Pregnancy | Europe | Women’s Health & Gynaecology
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