A prospective study of conditions associated with multiple sclerosis in a cohort of 658 consecutive outpatients attending a multiple sclerosis clinic

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies have found that multiple sclerosis (MS) has an impact on the initiation or the course of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review amied to investigate the prevalence and odds of asthma and COPD among people with MS (pwMS).

METHOD

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systemically searched from inception to May 2023. R version 4.3.2 and random-effect model were used to calculate the pooled prevalence and odds ratio (OR), with their 95 % confidence interval (CI), in pwMS.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies consisting of 287,702 pwMS were included. 37 studies indicated that the pooled prevalences of asthma and COPD among pwMS were 5.97 % (95 % CI: 4.62 %-7.69 %, I2=99 %) and 3.03 % (95 % CI: 1.82 %-5.00 %, I2=99 %), respectively. 24 studies on 236,469 pwMS and 85,328,673 healthy controls revealed that the overall odds of asthma and COPD in MS were 1.14 (95 % CI: 0.76-1.71, p-value=0.53, I2=97 %) and 1.28 (95 % CI: 1.11-1.47, p-value<0.01, I2=70 %), respectively.

CONCLUSION

MS can increased the risk of developing COPD, while asthma does not exhibit a significant relationship with MS. Our study highlights the importance of identifying pwMS who face greater risks of respiratory issues to monitor efficiently and initiate suitable preventative actions.

The association of multiple sclerosis with thyroid disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with T-cell-mediated inflammation showing different clinical and pathological phenotypes. The relationship between MS and thyroid diseases has been debated, with varying research outcomes. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the association between different thyroid diseases and MS.

METHODS

Databases PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were searched electronically for the studies investigating the association of thyroid disorders in MS. Studies were selected based on the eligibility criteria and meta-analysis was performed on Review Manager Version 5.4 using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the clinical subtypes of thyroid disorders and forest plots were generated to interpret the findings. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's and Begg's tests and interpreted into funnel plots. Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effect of the exclusion of each study on the pooled odds ratio.

RESULTS

Inclusive of thirteen studies comprising 13,012 MS cases and 56,850 controls, our analysis unveiled notable findings. pwMS displayed a significantly elevated prevalence of both hypothyroidism (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.29, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.16-4.49, pvalue: 0.02, I2 = 27 %) and autoimmune thyroid disorder (OR: 1.70, 95 % CI: 1.02-2.85, pvalue: 0.04, I2 = 79 %). The collective prevalence of all thyroid diseases among pwMS was markedly higher (OR: 1.60, 95 % CI: 1.20-2.11, p-value: 0.001, I2 = 61 %). Furthermore, gender-specific analyses revealed that females with MS experienced a significantly increased prevalence of thyroid disorders compared to their male counterparts. (pooled odds ratio 2.38,95 % CI 1.11-5.10, p-value: 0.03, I2 = 28 %) CONCLUSION: This comprehensive meta-analysis establishes a significant association between thyroid diseases and MS, substantiating the increased risk of thyroid disorders in pwMS. Moreover, the gender-based analysis implicates a potentially significant interaction between gender and the observed association. These findings collectively contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay between MS and thyroid diseases, offering crucial insights for both clinical management and future research endeavors.

Common comorbid and secondary conditions leading to hospitalization in multiple sclerosis patients in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To identify the burden of hospitalization and common primary admitting diagnoses among MS patients in the United States (US).

BACKGROUND

The burden of hospitalizations and conditions leading to hospitalizations in MS patients in the US has not been well described.

DESIGN/METHODS

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 2001-2010, all patients with principal or secondary diagnosis of MS were identified, and the principal admitting diagnoses were compared with that of non-MS patients. Trends in hospitalizations were studied in specific age groups (1-9 yrs, 10-19 yrs, 20-29 yrs, 30-39 yrs, 40-49 yrs, 50-59 yrs, 60-69 yrs,70-79 yrs, 80-84 yrs and ≥85 yrs), and population level rates were obtained and compared with non-MS patients to obtain rate ratios (RR) and odds ratios (OR).

RESULTS

A total of 1,240,410 MS patients were identified representing 4 out of every 1000 US hospital admissions, with an estimated female/male ratio of 2.72/1. The median age for MS hospitalizations was 53 years (Interquartile range=18). The majority of all MS hospitalizations occurred in the 30-69-year age bracket (82.17 %). The average length of in-patient hospital stays for MS patients compared to the non-MS population was 5.8 vs. 4.5 days (p < 0.001), and more MS patients had Medicare insurance (50.36 % vs. 42.24 %, p < 0.001). Overall, conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTI) - (RR11.43, p < 0.001), septicemia (RR8.53, p < 0.001), pneumonia (RR2.84, p < 0.001), chronic skin ulcers (RR20.64, p < 0.001), and lower limb and femoral neck fractures (RR2.86, p < 0.001) were present with increased frequency among MS patients. Patterns of comorbidity varied markedly by age group. The estimated average annual in-hospital charges adjusted to 2010 dollars for all MS inpatient hospitalizations was 3 billion U.S. dollars.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MS are admitted into hospital at a younger age, are hospitalized longer and consume more Medicare resources than the similar patients without MS in the general population. Infections account for a large proportion of MS-associated hospitalizations, from young adulthood onward. These findings are particularly significant in light of the increasing availability of disease modifying therapies with more potent immunosuppressive properties, as well as the accumulating data that systemic infection can drive MS relapses.

Investigating the Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Serum Uric Acid Levels in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Cross Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

The present study is aimed at determining the effect of cigarette smoking (CS) on serum uric acid (UA) levels quantitatively before and after smoking cessation among people with MS (pwMS). Additionally, a possible correlation between UA levels and both disability progression and disease severity was also investigated. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the Nottingham University Hospitals MS Clinics database. It involves 127 people with definite MS recorded when reporting the latest smoking status and the clinical diagnosis. All necessary demographics and clinical characteristics were collected. We found that smoker pwMS had significantly lower serum UA levels than non-smoker pwMS (p-value = 0.0475), and this reduction was recovered after smoking cessation (p-value = 0.0216). However, the levels of disability or disease severity were not correlated with the levels of serum UA in current smoker pwMS, measured by the expanded disability status scale (EDSS; r = -0.24; p-value = 0.38), multiple sclerosis impact scale 29 (MSIS-29; r = 0.01; p-value = 0.97) and MS severity score (MSSS; r = -0.16; p-value = 0.58), respectively. Our result suggests that the reduction in UA levels is more likely a consequence of oxidative stress triggered by many risk factors, including CS, and could be considered a potential indicator of smoking cessation. In addition, the absence of a correlation between UA levels and disease severity and disability suggests that UA is not an optimal biomarker for disease severity and disability prediction among current smoker, ex-smoker or non-smoker pwMS.

Multiple Sclerosis Followed by Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: From the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Case Conference Proceedings

A woman presented at age 18 years with partial myelitis and diplopia and experienced multiple subsequent relapses. Her MRI demonstrated T2 abnormalities characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS) (white matter ovoid lesions and Dawson fingers), and CSF demonstrated an elevated IgG index and oligoclonal bands restricted to the CSF. Diagnosed with clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS, she was treated with various MS disease-modifying therapies and eventually began experiencing secondary progression. At age 57 years, she developed an acute longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and was found to have AQP4 antibodies by cell-based assay. Our analysis of the clinical course, radiographic findings, molecular diagnostic methods, and treatment response characteristics support the hypothesis that our patient most likely had 2 CNS inflammatory disorders: MS, which manifested as a teenager, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, which evolved in her sixth decade of life. This case emphasizes a key principle in neurology practice, which is to reconsider whether the original working diagnosis remains tenable, especially when confronted with evidence (clinical and/or paraclinical) that raises the possibility of a distinctively different disorder.

Is Celiac Disease (CD) Prevalent in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease, and its prevalence reported variously in different studies. The goal of this study is to evaluate the pooled prevalence of CD in subjects with MS. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar along with gray literature were systematically searched. The search included all relevant studies which were published up to October 2022. Two researchers independently searched all databases and also references of included studies. Results. We found 8211 articles by literature search, and after deleting duplicates, 5594 remained. Fifteen articles remained for meta-analysis. Totally, 31418 patients were evaluated, and the total number of possible/confirmed cases was 124. Studies were published between 2004 and 2020, and the most published studies were from Italy. Five studies provided information regarding controls. The total number of controls was 22394, of whom 22 had CD. Mean age ranged from 35 to 55 years. The pooled prevalence of CD in MS patients was 0 ( $I^2=88.2$ %, $p<0.001$ ). The pooled odds of CD in subjects with MS are 0.46 (95% CI: 0.19-1.1) ( $I^2=0$ , $p=0.9$ ). Conclusion. The pooled prevalence of this systematic review showed that CD is not prevalent in MS cases.

Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Comorbidities

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by broad inter- and intraindividual heterogeneity and different prognoses. Multisystem comorbidities are frequent features in people with MS (PwMS) and can affect treatment choices, quality of life, disability and mortality. In this scenario, autoimmune comorbidities play a cardinal role for several reasons, such as the implication on MS pathogenesis, diagnostic delay, disease activity, disability progression, brain atrophy, and treatment choice. However, the impact of an autoimmune comorbid condition on MS is not fully elucidated. This review aims to summarize the currently available data on the incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases in PwMS, the possible effect of this association on clinical and neuroradiological MS course and its impact on treatment choice.

Severe psychiatric disorders and general medical comorbidities: inflammation-related mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders and schizophrenia, are at increased risk of developing other medical conditions, especially cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. These medical conditions are underdiagnosed and undertreated in these patients contributing to their increased morbidity and mortality. The basis for this increased comorbidity is not well understood, possibly reflecting shared risks factors (e.g. lifestyle risk factors), shared biological mechanisms and/or reciprocal interactions. Among overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms, inflammation and related factors, such as dysbiosis and insulin resistance, stand out. Besides underlying the association between psychiatric disorders and cardiometabolic diseases, these mechanisms provide several potential therapeutic targets.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Uveitis and Multiple Sclerosis: Description of Two Patients and Literature Review

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood, while multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, characterized by remission and exacerbation phases. An association between MS and rheumatologic diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, has been described and numerous studies acknowledge anti-TNF-α drugs as MS triggers. Conversely, the association between MS and JIA has been reported merely in five cases in the literature. We describe two cases of adult patients with longstanding JIA and JIA-associated uveitis, who developed MS. The first patient was on methotrexate and adalimumab when she developed dizziness and nausea. Characteristic MRI lesions and oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid led to MS diagnosis. Adalimumab was discontinued, and she was treated with three pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone. After a few months, rituximab was started. The second patient had been treated with anti-TNF-α and then switched to abatacept. She complained of unilateral arm and facial paraesthesias; brain MRI showed characteristic lesions, and MS was diagnosed. Three pulses of intravenous methylprednisolone were administered; neurological disease remained stable, and abatacept was reintroduced. Further studies are warranted to define if there is an association between JIA and MS, if MS represents JIA comorbidity or if anti-TNF-α underpins MS development.

Low-Dose Aspirin Augments the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Low-Dose Lithium in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Rats

Mounting evidence suggests that immune-system dysfunction and inflammation play a role in the pathophysiology and treatment of mood-disorders in general and of bipolar disorder in particular. The current study examined the effects of chronic low-dose aspirin and low-dose lithium (Li) treatment on plasma and brain interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats. Rats were fed regular or Li-containing food (0.1%) for six weeks. Low-dose aspirin (1 mg/kg) was administered alone or together with Li. On days 21 and 42 rats were injected with 1 mg/kg LPS or saline. Two h later body temperature was measured and rats were sacrificed. Blood samples, the frontal-cortex, hippocampus, and the hypothalamus were extracted. To assess the therapeutic potential of the combined treatment, rats were administered the same Li + aspirin protocol without LPS. We found that the chronic combined treatment attenuated LPS-induced hypothermia and significantly reduced plasma and brain cytokine level elevation, implicating the potential neuroinflammatory diminution purportedly present among the mentally ill. The combined treatment also significantly decreased immobility time and increased struggling time in the forced swim test, suggestive of an antidepressant-like effect. This preclinical evidence provides a potential approach for treating inflammation-related mental illness.

Multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two autoimmune diseases that seriously affect patients' quality of life. Previous studies have established an association between MS and IBD, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), but the results were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalences of and the association between MS and IBD.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched through November 2020 for studies reporting data on MS among patients with IBD and vice versa. The main outcomes were the proportion of MS in patients with IBD and vice versa, as well as the association (risk ratio [RR]) of IBD in MS and that of MS in IBD.

Results

Based on the analysis of 17 studies, the prevalence of MS in patients with IBD was 0.2% (95% CI 0.1–0.4%), while the prevalence of IBD in patients with MS was 0.6% (95% CI 0.4–0.9%). Patients with MS had a higher prevalence of IBD than controls (RR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.38–1.70, p < 0.00001). There was a similarly high risk of developing CD (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14–1.74, p = 0.001) or UC (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.17–1.71, p = 0.0003) in patients with MS (p for subgroup differences: 0.97). Patients with IBD had a higher prevalence of MS than controls (RR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.06–3.45, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of IBD or MS comorbidity during the diagnostic process. Systematic diagnosis and management at an earlier stage are suggested.

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Influence of Co-morbidities on Drug Choice

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with a higher burden of co-morbidities such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammatory eye disease, inflammatory bowel disease, skin cancer and depression compared to the general population. In the last 20 years, the therapeutic options for PsA have increased exponentially with the availability of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibitors, interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors and Janus kinases/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAK/STAT) inhibitors. The articular and extra-articular manifestations of PsA usually dictate the treatment choice but important consideration must be given to the corresponding co-morbidities while deciding the drug therapy due to associated safety profile, effect on disease activity, etc. This review provides a comprehensive review of common co-morbidities in PsA and how they can influence treatment choices.

Safety and Efficacy of Combined Low-Dose Lithium and Low-Dose Aspirin: A Pharmacological and Behavioral Proof-of-Concept Study in Rats

Despite established efficacy in bipolar disorder patients, lithium (Li) therapy has serious side effects, particularly chronic kidney disease. We examined the safety and behavioral effects of combined chronic low-dose aspirin plus low-dose Li in rats to explore the toxicity and therapeutic potential of this treatment. Rats were fed regular or Li-containing food (0.1% [low-dose, LLD-Li] or 0.2% [standard-dose, STD-Li]) for six weeks. Low-dose aspirin (1 mg/kg) was administered alone or together with Li. Renal function and gastric mucosal integrity were assessed. The effects of the combination treatment were evaluated in depression-like and anxiety-like behavioral models. Co-treatment with aspirin did not alter plasma Li levels. Chronic STD-Li treatment resulted in significant polyuria and polydipsia, elevated blood levels of creatinine and cystatin C, and increased levels of kidney nephrin and podocin—all suggestive of impaired renal function. Aspirin co-treatment significantly damped STD-Li-induced impairments in kidney parameters. There were no gastric ulcers or blood loss in any treatment group. Combined aspirin and LLD-Li resulted in a significant increase in sucrose consumption, and in the time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus-maze compared with the LLD-Li only group, suggestive of antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects, respectively. Thus, we demonstrate that low-dose aspirin mitigated the typical renal side effects of STD-Li dose and enhanced the beneficial behavioral effects of LLD-Li therapy without aggravating its toxicity.

Prevalence of bipolar disorder in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and is often associated with psychiatric comorbidities. Some studies suggest increased prevalence of bipolar disorder (BD) in MS.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the prevalence of BD in adults with MS.

METHODS

We registered this review with PROSPERO and searched electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Central, Embase, PsycINFO and Scopus) for eligible studies from earliest inception to October 2020. Prevalence data of BD in adult patients with MS were extracted. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model.

FINDINGS

Of the 802 articles that were screened, 23 studies enrolling a total of 68 796 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rate of BD in patients with MS was 2.95% (95% CI 2.12% to 4.09%) with higher prevalence in the Americas versus Europe. The lifetime prevalence of BD was 8.4% in patients with MS. Subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence of BD in MS in females (7.03%) than in males (5.64%), which did not reach statistical significance (p=0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests a high lifetime prevalence of BD in patients with MS. Patients with MS should be routinely screened for BD. Further assessment of bipolar comorbidity in MS through prospective studies may help in developing effective management strategies and may improve treatment outcomes in patients with MS.

PAF-R on activated T cells: Role in the IL-23/Th17 pathway and relevance to multiple sclerosis

IL-23 is a potent stimulus for Th17 cells. These cells have a distinct developmental pathway from Th1 cells induced by IL-12 and are implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS). TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-1, the transcriptional regulator RORγt (RORC) and IL-23 are implicated in Th17 development and maintenance. In human polyclonally activated T cells, IL-23 enhances IL-17 production. The aims of our study were: 1). To validate microarray results showing preferential expression of platelet activating factor receptor (PAF-R) on IL-23 stimulated T cells. 2). To determine whether PAF-R on activated T cells is functional, whether it is co-regulated with Th17-associated molecules, and whether it is implicated in Th17 function. 3). To determine PAF-R expression in MS. We show that PAF-R is expressed on activated T cells, and is inducible by IL-23 and IL-17, which in turn are induced by PAF binding to PAF-R. PAF-R is co-expressed with IL-17 and regulated similarly with Th17 markers IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22 and RORC. PAF-R is upregulated on PBMC and T cells of MS patients, and levels correlate with IL-17 and with MS disability scores. Our results show that PAF-R on T cells is associated with the Th17 phenotype and function. Clinical Implications Targeting PAF-R may interfere with Th17 function and offer therapeutic intervention in Th17-associated conditions, including MS.

The emotional disorders associated with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with a high prevalence of emotional and mood disorders. Emotional disorders may worsen during illness progression and affect the quality of life of patients and their families. MS is often associated with depression, with an increased risk of suicide, poor adherence to treatment, decreased functional status, and quality of life. The diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mood disorders in these patients is often challenging since several symptoms of these disorders overlap with those of MS. Other prevalent emotional disorders in MS include bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, emotional blunting (apathy), and pseudobulbar affect. Early recognition and treatment of these comorbidities could contribute to the reduction of disability and even to decreased mortality. The aim of this chapter is to provide an up-to-date review of mood and emotional disorders that are often associated with MS, focusing on their epidemiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, assessment, and treatment. The interplay between the psychosocial impact of the chronic disability and the demyelinating structural lesions of the brain in precipitating emotional and mood disorders is discussed, as well as its implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Risk of cancer in multiple sclerosis (MS): A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the pooled risk of cancer in patients with multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, google scholar and gray literature (references of studies, conference abstracts) which were published up to September 2019. The search strategy included the MeSH and text words as ((cancer) OR tumor) OR neoplasm) OR "malignant neoplasm) OR "benign neoplasm) AND (Multiple Sclerosis OR Sclerosis, Multiple) OR Sclerosis, Disseminated) OR Disseminated Sclerosis) OR MS (Multiple Sclerosis)) OR Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating).

RESULTS

The first literature search revealed 18,996 articles. After deletion of duplicate articles, finally, 264 articles remained. Excluding non-relevant articles, resulted in including 5 articles which met inclusion criteria. The RR estimated between 0.7 and 1.67 in included articles. The pooled RR estimated as 0.83 (95% CI:0.73-0.96) (I² = 90%, P < 0.001). Two studies provided prevalence of different cancers. The pooled prevalence of breast cancer in two studies was 2% (95%CI:2%-2%) (I² = 0%). The pooled prevalence of digestive system cancer in two studies was 2% (95%CI:1%-2%) (I² = 0%). The pooled prevalence of skin cancer in two studies was 1% (95%CI:0%-1%) (I² = 0).

CONCLUSION

The result of this systematic review showed that the risk of cancer in patients with MS is less than the general population.

A narrative review of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis: links and risks

The association of psoriasis (PsO) with other autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases has long been a topic of interest. Although previous studies have attempted to clarify the specific relationship between PsO and multiple sclerosis (MS), it remains obscure, with limited and conflicting evidence regarding a link between the two entities. Herein, we review the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of each disease and present the available literature to-date regarding a possible relationship between PsO and MS. We conclude that further study is necessary to discern whether there may be a significant relationship between PsO and MS. In the meantime, clinicians may find it appropriate to screen for MS in patients with PsO, allowing for timely referral to a neurologist should it be necessary.

Malassezia and Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common debilitating neurodegenerative disease caused by a loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra within the central nervous system (CNS). The process leading to this neuronal loss is poorly understood. Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common benign inflammatory condition of the skin which mainly affects lipid-rich regions of the head and trunk. SD is caused by over proliferation of the lipophilic fungus Malassezia. PD and SD are strongly associated. The increased PD risk following an SD diagnosis (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.36, 2.1; p < 0.001) reported by Tanner and colleagues remains unexplained. Malassezia were historically considered commensals confined to the skin. However, many recent studies report finding Malassezia in internal organs, including the CNS. This raises the possibility that Malassezia might be directly contributing to PD. Several lines of evidence support this hypothesis. AIDS is causally associated with both parkinsonism and SD, suggesting that weak T cell-mediated control of commensal microbes such as Malassezia might contribute to both. Genetic polymorphisms associated with PD (LRRK2, GBA, PINK1, SPG11, SNCA) increase availability of lipids within human cells, providing a suitable environment for Malassezia. Four LRRK2 polymorphisms which increase PD risk also increase Crohn's disease risk; Crohn's disease is strongly associated with an immune response against fungi, particularly Malassezia. Finally, Malassezia hypha formation and melanin synthesis are stimulated by L-DOPA, which could promote Malassezia invasiveness of dopamine neurons, and contribute to the accumulation of melanin in these neurons. Although Malassezia's presence in the substantia nigra remains to be confirmed, if Malassezia play a role in PD etiology, antifungal drugs should be tested as a possible therapeutic intervention.

Food allergies are associated with increased disease activity in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The association between allergy and multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. In our study, we assessed the association between a self-reported history of allergic conditions with MS clinical and MRI disease activity.

METHODS

A subset of 1349 patients enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at the Brigham and Women's Hospital (CLIMB) study completed a self-administered questionnaire on environmental, food and drug allergies. Patients were distributed among four allergy groups: (1) environmental, (2) food, (3) drug, (4) no known allergies (NKA). Clinical (number of attacks, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), MS severity score (MSSS)) and radiological variables (presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions and lesion count), and their associations with the different allergy groups or those with NKA, were assessed.

RESULTS

The food allergy group had a 1.38 times higher rate for cumulative number of attacks compared with the NKA group (P=0.0062); this difference remained significant in the adjusted analysis (relapse rate ratio 1.27, P=0.0305). The food allergy group showed more than twice the likelihood (OR 2.53, P=0.0096) of having gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI. The environmental and drug allergy groups did not show significant differences when compared with the NKA group. The EDSS and MSSS were not affected by any type of allergy.

CONCLUSIONS

MS patients with food allergy had more relapses and a higher likelihood of gadolinium-enhancing lesions compared with patients with no known allergy. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings and investigate underlying biological mechanisms, which may unveil new therapeutic and preventative strategies for MS.

Association of Multiple Sclerosis with Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported the occurrence of psoriasis together with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although similar predisposing genes and pathomechanisms have been hypothesized, the relationship between the two remains obscure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the association between psoriasis and MS.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL in July 2018 for case-control, cross-sectional, or cohort studies that examined either the odds or risk of psoriasis in subjects with multiple sclerosis. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model meta-analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for case-control/cross-sectional studies and hazard ratio (HR) for cohort studies.

RESULTS

We included 10 publications that reported a total of 11 studies (5 case-control, 4 cross-sectional and 2 cohort studies). The case-control and cross-sectional studies included 18,456 MS patients and 870,149 controls, while the two cohort studies involved 25,187 MS patients and 227,225 controls in total. Three studies were rated with a high risk of bias in comparability, non-response rate, and selection of controls. MS was associated with increased odds (OR 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.45) and risk for psoriasis (HR 1.92; 95% CI 1.32-2.80).

CONCLUSION

Patients with MS display both increased prevalence and incidence of psoriasis.

Effects of Aspirin in Rats With Ouabain Intracerebral Treatment-Possible Involvement of Inflammatory Modulation?

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and refractory disease with high probability of morbidity and mortality. Although epidemiological studies have established a strong association between BD and immune dysfunction, the precise etiology is still debatable, and the underpinning mechanism remains poorly investigated and understood. In the present study, manic-like symptoms of BD were induced in rats after intracerebroventricular administration of ouabain. Aspirin, a commonly used anti-inflammatory agent, was used to treat the induced manic-like symptoms and inflammation. Concentrations of a spectrum of inflammatory cytokines were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both plasma and brain tissues, and expression of Toll-like receptors 3 and 4 were determined in rat brains. Locomotor activity was monitored with open-field test to assess the effects of ouabain challenge and to evaluate the treatment efficacy of aspirin. Ouabain administration recapitulated many mania-like features such as increased stereotypic counts, traveling distance in open-field test, and decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, interferon gamma, and Toll-like receptor 3, which were frequently found in patients with BD. These abnormalities could be partially reversed by aspirin. Our findings suggest that aspirin could be used as a promising adjunctive therapy for BD.

Prevalence of asthma in multiple sclerosis: A United States population-based study

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and asthma are complex multifactorial diseases which adversely impact daily functioning. However, the prevalence of asthma in those with MS is not clear. The objective of this study is to characterize the prevalence of asthma in those with MS, with considerations for age, gender, and race.

METHODS

We conducted a U.S. population-based, cross-sectional study of electronic health record information for 56.6 million Americans available in the IBM® Explorys EPM: Explore database. We evaluated the prevalence of asthma in MS (N = 141,880) and non-MS (N = 56,416,790) cohorts, stratifying by age, gender, and race (All, White Americans, and African Americans).

RESULTS

The prevalence of asthma was significantly greater among those with MS than the general population across age, gender, and racial subpopulations. Adjusting for age and gender, asthma was three times more common in MS. In the MS cohort, the prevalence of asthma had a U-shaped distribution with respect to age, with the greatest asthma prevalence among the young and the elderly (> 20% prevalence among those <30 or ≥80 years; prevalence range: 15 to 30%); this significantly differed from the fairly uniform distribution observed in the non-MS cohort (prevalence range: 4 to 9%). These patterns were relatively consistent when stratifying by gender and race.

CONCLUSION

Asthma is significantly more common in those with MS than in the general population - particularly in the young and elderly - irrespective of gender and race. The results add to the growing MS comorbidity literature, and emphasizes the need for comorbidity management as a part of comprehensive MS patient care.

Co-occurrence of Asthma and the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and asthma share genetic and environmental risk factors. Consequently, several observational studies have explored an association between IBD and asthma. We systematically reviewed and summarized the literature on the co-occurrence of asthma and IBD.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE (to April 2017) were searched to identify observational studies on the association between asthma and IBD. Relative risks (RR) were pooled using random effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² and Cochran Q statistics. Meta-regression based on study design, source of patients (population-based vs. tertiary-care center) and study location was conducted to explain between-study heterogeneity.

Results

Eighteen studies were identified (15 Crohn’s disease, 15 ulcerative colitis (UC)). Asthma was associated with both Crohn’s disease (pooled RR 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.47, I² = 88%) and UC (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.24–1.44, I² = 93%). The study design and source of patients and study location explained between-study heterogeneity in Crohn’s disease, but not UC.

Conclusion

Asthma is associated with both Crohn’s disease and UC. Additional research is needed to determine if one disease influences the risk of developing the other or if the frequent co-occurrence of these diseases result from shared genetic, environmental, and microbial risk factors.

The pertussis hypothesis: Bordetella pertussis colonization in the etiology of asthma and diseases of allergic sensitization

Decades of peer reviewed evidence demonstrate that: 1)Bordetellapertussisand pertussis toxin are potent adjuvants, inducing asthma and allergic sensitization in animal models of human disease, 2)Bordetella pertussisoften colonizes the human nasopharynx, and is well documented in highly pertussis-vaccinated populations and 3) in children, a history of whooping cough increases the risk of asthma and allergic sensitization disease. We build on these observations with six case studies and offer a pertussis-based explanation for the rapid rise in allergic disease in former East Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall; the current asthma, peanut allergy, and anaphylaxis epidemics in the United States; the correlation between the risk of asthma and gross national income per capita by country; the lower risk of asthma and allergy in children raised on farms; and the reduced risk of atopy with increased family size and later sibling birth order. To organize the evidence for the pertussis hypothesis, we apply the Bradford Hill criteria to the association between Bordetella pertussisand asthma and allergicsensitization disease. We propose that, contrary to conventional wisdom that nasopharyngealBordetella pertussiscolonizing infections are harmless, subclinicalBordetella pertussiscolonization is an important cause of asthma and diseases of allergic sensitization.

Psoriasis: Which therapy for which patient: Psoriasis comorbidities and preferred systemic agents

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with increased risk of comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, malignancy, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. These factors have a significant impact on the decision to use one therapy over another. The past decade has seen a paradigm shift in our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis that has led to identification of new therapeutic targets. Several new drugs have gained approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, expanding the psoriasis armamentarium, but still a large number of patients continue to be untreated or undertreated. Treatment regimens for psoriasis patients should be tailored to meet the specific needs based on disease severity, the impact on quality of life, the response to previous therapies, and the presence of comorbidities. The first article in this continuing medical education series focuses on specific comorbidities and provides insights to choose appropriate systemic treatment in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Bipolar Disorder Associated with Another Autoimmune Disease-Pemphigus: A Population-based Study

OBJECTIVES

Recent evidence suggests a notable role for inflammation and immune dysregulation in the neuroprogression of bipolar disorders (BD). Several autoimmune comorbidities have been reported in association with BD. However, the epidemiological relationship between pemphigus and BD has not yet been elucidated. We aimed to estimate the association between pemphigus and BD using a large-scale, real-life computerized database.

METHODS

Data for this study were retrieved from the database of the Clalit Health Services, the largest, state-mandated, health service organization in Israel. This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The proportion of patients with BD was compared between patients diagnosed with pemphigus and age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects. A logistic regression model was performed to estimate how pemphigus and other covariates contributed as risk factors for BD.

RESULTS

A total of 1,985 pemphigus cases and 9,874 controls were included in the study. The prevalence of BD was greater in cases with pemphigus than in controls (1.0% v. 0.5%, respectively; P = 0.023). This coexistence was more prominent among patients of Jewish ethnicity. After controlling for confounders, such as age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, smoking, healthcare utilization, and comorbidities, pemphigus demonstrated a substantial independent association with BD (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Pemphigus is significantly associated with BD. Patients with pemphigus should be assessed for comorbid BD. Experimental research is needed to better recognize the biological mechanisms underlying this observation.

Aluminum Adjuvant-Containing Vaccines in the Context of the Hygiene Hypothesis: A Risk Factor for Eosinophilia and Allergy in a Genetically Susceptible Subpopulation?

There are similarities between the immune response following immunization with aluminum adjuvants and the immune response elicited by some helminthic parasites, including stimulation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophilia. Immunization with aluminum adjuvants, as with helminth infection, induces a Th2 type cell mediated immune response, including eosinophilia, but does not induce an environment conducive to the induction of regulatory mechanisms. Helminths play a role in what is known as the hygiene hypothesis, which proposes that decreased exposure to microbes during a critical time in early life has resulted in the increased prevalence and morbidity of asthma and atopic disorders over the past few decades, especially in Western countries. In addition, gut and lung microbiome composition and their interaction with the immune system plays an important role in a properly regulated immune system. Disturbances in microbiome composition are a risk factor for asthma and allergies. We propose that immunization with aluminum adjuvants in general is not favorable for induction of regulatory mechanisms and, in the context of the hygiene hypothesis and microbiome theory, can be viewed as an amplifying factor and significant contributing risk factor for allergic diseases, especially in a genetically susceptible subpopulation.

Unusual case of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-receptor (NMDA-R) encephalitis and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS)

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-receptor (NMDA-R) encephalitis is a novel disease discovered within the past 10 years. It is an autoimmune disease (AD) that has been associated with other ADs, such as Graves' disease. However, association with autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) has not been previously described. A 58-year-old woman presented with altered mental status and an 8-month history of weight loss, apathy and somnolence. Laboratory evaluation confirmed Graves' disease with thyrotoxicosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Despite treatment, she continued to have a fluctuating mental status. Further diagnostic evaluation included an abdominal MRI that showed a cystic lobular left adnexal mass. Serum anti-NMDA-R antibodies were positive, raising concern for NMDA-R encephalitis. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, with pathology consistent with cystadenofibroma. She had a favourable recovery with marked clinical improvement. Anti-NMDA-R antibodies were negative 2 months following surgery. The concomitant occurrence of APS and anti-NMDA-R encephalitis suggests a shared mechanism of autoimmune pathophysiology.

Circulating cathelicidin LL-37 level is increased in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder

More and more data seems to imply that immune mechanisms are involved in the pathomechanism of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the primary role of cathelicidin LL-37 is defense against pathogens, more and more data indicated that this peptide strongly modulates immune system functioning and contributes to immune pathology of chronic and inflammatory diseases. No data is available on the level of LL-37 in bipolar patients. The aim of the study was to examine the circulating levels of cathelicidin LL-37 in euthymic patients with BD. Forty patients with BD and fifty-nine healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. Concentration of LL-37 in serum was assessed using immunoenzymatic test ELISA. The mean LL-37 concentration in bipolar patients and in healthy subjects were 4.60 ± 7.65 ng/mL and 1.92 ± 2.89 ng/mL, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.035). Within the BD group LL-37 level was significantly higher in women than in men (p = 0.045). The evaluation of serum LL-37 concentration during stable 8 week treatment indicated that at baseline (T1) mean level of LL-37 was 5.82 ± 10.59 ng/mL; and after treatment (T2) was 4.33 ± 5.87 ng/mL; the difference between T1 and T2 was not significant. Elevated serum levels of LL-37 in bipolar patients may suggest the role of this peptide in the pathomechanism of BD.

Bipolar Disorder and Immune Dysfunction: Epidemiological Findings, Proposed Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications

Bipolar disorder (BD) is strongly associated with immune dysfunction. Replicated epidemiological studies have demonstrated that BD has high rates of inflammatory medical comorbidities, including autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Cytokine studies have demonstrated that BD is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation with further increases in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels during mood episodes. Several mechanisms have been identified to explain the bidirectional relationship between BD and immune dysfunction. Key mechanisms include cytokine-induced monoamine changes, increased oxidative stress, pathological microglial over-activation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis over-activation, alterations of the microbiome-gut-brain axis and sleep-related immune changes. The inflammatory-mood pathway presents several potential novel targets in the treatment of BD. Several proof-of-concept clinical trials have shown a positive effect of anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of BD; however, further research is needed to determine the clinical utility of these treatments. Immune dysfunction is likely to only play a role in a subset of BD patients and as such, future clinical trials should also strive to identify which specific group(s) of BD patients may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatments.

Brown-Séquard Syndrome as a First Presentation of Multiple Sclerosis

A female patient aged 48 years presented with sub-acute onset of weakness in right upper and lower limb over the past one month and numbness over left side of body below neck level. Multiple sclerosis (MS) presenting as Brown-Séquard syndrome is very rare. We present a case of hemicord myelitis which presented as Brown-Séquard syndrome as a first manifestation, which was later diagnosed as MS during subsequent relapses.

Neuropsychiatric syndromes of multiple sclerosis

Neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms occur frequently in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), either as the initial presenting complaint prior to a definitive neurological diagnosis or more commonly with disease progression. However, the pathogenesis of these comorbid conditions remains unclear and it remains difficult to accurately elucidate if neuropsychiatric symptoms or conditions are indicators of MS illness severity. Furthermore, both the disease process and the treatments of MS can adversely impact an individual's mental health. In this review, we discuss the common neuropsychiatric syndromes that occur in MS and describe the clinical symptoms, aetiology, neuroimaging findings and management strategies for these conditions.

Identification of rare genetic variation of NLRP1 gene in familial multiple sclerosis

The genetic etiology and the contribution of rare genetic variation in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not yet been elucidated. Although familial forms of MS have been described, no convincing rare and penetrant variants have been reported to date. We aimed to characterize the contribution of rare genetic variation in familial and sporadic MS and have identified a family with two sibs affected by concomitant MS and malignant melanoma (MM). We performed whole exome sequencing in this primary family and 38 multiplex MS families and 44 sporadic MS cases and performed transcriptional and immunologic assessment of the identified variants. We identified a potentially causative homozygous missense variant in NLRP1 gene (Gly587Ser) in the primary family. Further possibly pathogenic NLRP1 variants were identified in the expanded cohort of patients. Stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MS patients with putatively pathogenic NLRP1 variants showed an increase in IL-1B gene expression and active cytokine IL-1β production, as well as global activation of NLRP1-driven immunologic pathways. We report a novel familial association of MS and MM, and propose a possible underlying genetic basis in NLRP1 gene. Furthermore, we provide initial evidence of the broader implications of NLRP1-related pathway dysfunction in MS.

Increased incidence and prevalence of psoriasis in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis and multiple sclerosis (MS) share some risk factors, and fumarates are effective disease-modifying therapies for both psoriasis and MS, suggesting a common pathogenesis. However, findings regarding the occurrence of psoriasis in the MS population are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis in the MS population versus a matched cohort from the general population.

METHODS

We used population-based administrative data from the Canadian province of Manitoba to identify 4911 persons with MS and 23,274 age-, sex- and geographically-matched controls aged 20 years and older. We developed case definitions for psoriasis using ICD-9/10 codes and prescription claims. These case definitions were compared to self-reported psoriasis diagnoses. The preferred definition was applied to estimate the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis over the period 1998-2008. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate the risk of psoriasis in the MS population at the individual level, adjusting for sex, age at the index date, socioeconomic status and physician visits.

RESULTS

In 2008, the crude incidence of psoriasis per 100,000 person-years was 466.7 (95%CI: 266.8-758.0) in the MS population, and 221.3 in the matched population (95%CI: 158.1-301.4). The crude prevalence of psoriasis per 100,000 persons was 4666.1 (95%CI: 3985.2-5429.9) in the MS population, and 3313.5 (95%CI: 3057.4-3585.3) in the matched population. The incidence and prevalence of psoriasis rose slightly over time. After adjusting for sex, age at the index date, socioeconomic status and physician visits, the risk of incident psoriasis was 54% higher in the MS population (HR 1.54; 95%CI: 1.07-2.24).

CONCLUSION

Psoriasis incidence and prevalence are higher in the MS population than in the matched population.

Early onset of inflammation during ontogeny of bipolar disorder: the NLRP2 inflammasome gene distinctly differentiates between patients and healthy controls in the transition between iPS cell and neural stem cell stages

Neuro-inflammation and neuronal communication are considered as mis-regulated processes in the aetiology and pathology of bipolar disorder (BD). Which and when specific signal pathways become abnormal during the ontogeny of bipolar disorder patients is unknown. To address this question, we applied induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology followed by cortical neural differentiation on adipocyte-derived cells from BD type I patients (with psychotic episodes in psychiatric history) and healthy volunteers (controls). RNA sequencing in iPSC and cortical neural stem cell (NSC) lines were used to examine alterations between the transcriptomes from BD I and control samples during transition from the pluripotent stage towards the neural developmental stage. At the iPSC stage, the most highly significant differentially expressed gene (DEG) was the NLRP2 inflammasome (P=2.66 × 10^-10). Also among 42 DEGs at the NSC stage, NLRP2 showed the strongest statistical significance (P=3.07 × 10^-19). In addition, we have also identified several cytoskeleton-associated genes as DEGs from the NSC stage, such as TMP2, TAGLN and ACTA2; the former two genes are recognised for the first time to be associated with BD. Our results also suggest that iPSC-derived BD-cortical NSCs carry several abnormalities in dopamine and GABA receptor canonical pathways, underlining that our in vitro BD model reflects pathology in the central nervous system. This would indicate that mis-regulated gene expression of inflammatory, neurotransmitter and cytoskeletal signalling occurs during early fetal brain development of BD I patients.

Multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been suggested, apart from their common epidemiological and immunological patterns, also due to observations of increased incidence of both IBD among MS patients and MS among IBD patients. We estimated the risk of concurrent IBD and MS comorbidity, using data from all available case-control studies. We calculated the corresponding Risk ratios (RRs) in each included case-control study to express the risk of IBD and MS concurrence at a given population. We performed additional subgroup analyses according to the type of registry from which the data of the cases were exported (IBD or MS registry) and the IBD type (Crohn's disease, CD or Ulcerative colitis, UC). We included 10 studies, comprising a total of 1,086,430 patients (0.08% of them with concurrent IBD and MS). Pooled RR for IBD/MS comorbitity was 1.54 (95% CI 1.40-1.67; p < 0.0001) with no differences (p = 0.91) among IBD and MS registries (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.36-1.72, p < 0.001 for MS comorbidity in IBD patients vs. RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.32-1.81, p < 0.001 for IBD comorbidity in MS patients). No difference was also found on the risk of MS comorbidity among patients with CD or UC (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.34-1.72, p < 0.001 vs. RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.38-1.74, p < 0.001; p for subgroup differences: 0.84). In all analyses no evidence of heterogeneity or publication bias was detected. Both IBD and MS patients seem to have a fifty-percent increased risk of MS or IBD comorbidity, respectively, with no apparent differences between patients with CD or UC.

Inverse comorbidity in multiple sclerosis: Findings in a complete nationwide cohort

BACKGROUND

Inverse comorbidity is disease occurring at lower rates than expected among persons with a given index disease. The objective was to identify inverse comorbidity in MS.

METHODS

We performed a combined case-control and cohort study in a total nationwide cohort of cases with clinical onset of MS 1980-2005. We randomly matched each MS-case with five population controls. Comorbidity data were obtained from multiple, independent nationwide registries. Cases and controls were followed from January 1977 to the index date, and from the index date through December 2012. We controlled for false discovery rate and investigated each of eight pre-specified comorbidity categories: psychiatric, cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, lung, and autoimmune comorbidities, diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson's disease.

RESULTS

A total of 8947 MS-cases and 44,735 controls were eligible for inclusion. We found no inverse associations with MS before the index date. After the index date, we found a decreased occurrence of chronic lung disease (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (HR 0.80 (95% CI 0.75-0.86, p<0.00025)) and overall cancer (HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.95, p=0.0005)) among MS-cases.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a decreased risk of cancers and pulmonary diseases after onset of MS. Identification of inverse comorbidity and of its underlying mechanisms may provide important new entry points into the understanding of MS.

Risk of Autoimmunity in EoE and Families: A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Recent genome-wide association studies have suggested possible genetic associations between eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and genes associated with autoimmunity. No studies to date have looked at potential genetic association of EoE with specific autoimmune diseases by evaluating such diagnoses within family members. Investigate the risk of specific autoimmune disease within EoE probands and their extended family members.

METHODS

The Utah Population Database offers a unique opportunity to link medical records from over 85% of Utah's population to genealogy records representing Utah. We searched for associations of specific autoimmune diseases in probands diagnosed with EoE and their extended family members (e.g., first cousins). Comparisons were made to age- and sex-matched controls and their respective families at a 5:1 ratio.

RESULTS

Excess risk for multiple autoimmune conditions was detected in subjects with a diagnosis of EoE. Celiac, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis (UC), rheumatoid arthritis, IgA deficiency, CVID, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis were found at increased risk in first-degree relatives of EoE subjects. UC, systemic sclerosis, and MS had nominally significant associations within second-degree family members of EoE subjects; and, in reverse analysis, probands and their families with the above three conditions were at an increased risk for EoE suggesting shared genetic factors with EoE.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with EoE have an increased risk of multiple autoimmune diseases. Possible shared genetic etiologies were observed between EoE and UC, systemic sclerosis, and MS. Practitioners should be aware of these comorbid associations and query all EoE patients and family members for symptoms of these diseases.