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The familial nature of multiple sclerosis

Empiric recurrence risks for first, second-, and third-degree relatives of patients

Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Sadovnick. Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 235-5804 Fairview Cr., Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1W5 Canada.

Although the risks are low, relatives of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have a greater risk of developing the disease than the general population. Since this is true of second- and third-degree relatives as well as first-degree relatives, the increased risk cannot be explained solely by environmental factors. This observation is part of the evidence that the etiology of MS may have a genetic component. Genetic counseling is recommended for MS patients. Empiric recurrence risks have been derived and give the counselor necessary information with which to provide this service.

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