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We evaluated 48 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis(R/R MS)sibling pairs derived from 44 families for age and date of onset of MS symptoms, clinical course,and family history of MS.Age-and sex-matched R/R MS clinic patients provided a statistical comparison group.The age of onset tended to cluster within multiplex families.The initial symptom of MS occurred within 5 years of age in 30/48 sibling pairs compared with 16/48 controls. A positive family history of MS(other than siblings)was present in 43%of the multiplex families compared with 20%among simplex controls.In 1st-, 2nd-,and 3rd-degree relatives who had lived into the age at risk,22/1,134 family members of multiplex sibling pairs had probable or definite MS compared with 10/1,215 control family members.Age of onset clustering in siblings concordant for R/R MS and an increased risk of MS in other family members suggest that factors influencing disease onset may be in part inherited in these kindreds. |
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