Gender and MS Risk

Epub ahead of printDobson et al. The effect of gender in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): a meta-analysis. Mult Scler. 2011 Oct 12.

Background/Objective: A clinically isolated syndrome compatible with demyelination (CIS) is the initial presentation for the majority of people that go on to develop multiple sclerosis (MS). There has previously been little work examining the effect of gender on the development and progression of CIS. 

Methods: Data from observational studies of CIS were used. In total, 33 suitable studies with 4732 subjects were identified. 

Results: The overall relative risk (RR) of CIS in females compared with males was 2.12 (95% CI 1.94-2.32). The risk of females developing MS following CIS was 1.20 (95% CI 0.98-1.46) compared with males. 

Conclusions: These data imply that the gender bias seen in MS is caused by factors acting early in the disease process.

"We all know MS is commoner in females and the incidence is increasing disproportionately in woman compared to men. What this study shows that even after the first clinical event a female is more likely to have a second event and develop definite MS; this is not surprising considering the increasing incidence in woman."

"Is MS common enough in woman to be a pink ribbon disease or a possibly a variant of the pink ribbon? How about a pink polka dotted ribbon?" 
"I assume the MS Societies would go for orange and black."
CoI: This work was done in our group.