Presymptomatic geographical distribution of ALS patients suggests the involvement of environmental factors in the disease pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given that the pathogenetic process of ALS begins many years prior to its clinical onset, examining patients' residential histories may offer insights on the disease risk factors. Here, we analyzed the spatial distribution of a large ALS cohort in the 50 years preceding the disease onset.

Methods

Data from the PARALS register were used. A spatial cluster analysis was performed at the time of disease onset and at 1-year intervals up to 50 years prior to that.

Results

A total of 1124 patients were included. The analysis revealed a higher-incidence cluster in a large area (435,000 inhabitants) west of Turin. From 9 to 2 years before their onset, 105 cases were expected and 150 were observed, resulting in a relative risk of 1.49 (P = 0.04). We also found a surp

SUBMITTER: Vasta R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10576667 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature