Differences in MS clinical and epidemiological characteristics between Ashkenazi and non-Ashkenazi Jewish patients in Israel: a retrospective single center study

Arnon Karni, Gil Ben Noon*, Tamara Shiner, Ifat Vigiser, Hadar Kolb, Keren Regev

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The prevalence and severity of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) varies across different ethnicities, with a tendency to a more severe phenotype in non-Caucasian populations. Our objective was to evaluate the differences in disease phenotype between Ashkenazi Jewish and Non-Ashkenazi Jewish patients in Israel. We conducted a single center retrospective cohort study in which subjects were assigned to Ashkenazi or Non-Ashkenazi groups according to self-reported ancestry and disease severity was assessed using the expanded disability status (EDSS), MS severity score (MSSS), progression index (PI) and MRI metrics. 330 Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) and 207 Non-Ashkenazi Jewish patients (Non-AJ) were included. Non-AJ had a younger age of disease onset (32.7 years vs. 35.7 years, p = 0.05), with a lower proportion of females (62.3% vs. 73.3%, p = 0.01). These differences were maintained within the subgroup of Israeli native patients. Ethnicity was a significant predictor of MSSS (β = 0.601, p = 0.003), with a higher estimate than that of other epidemiological factors. To conclude, Non-AJ patients had an earlier age of onset and a more disabling disease as well as having a more balanced female to male ratio compared to AJ patients. These findings demonstrate variability of disease phenotype within Caucasian patient's dependent on their ethnicity despite equivalent access to healthcare services.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4555
JournalScientific Reports
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

Funding

FundersFunder number
Medison Pharma Ltd
Novartis Pharmaceutical Ltd
Stem Cell Medicine Ltd

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