Title | Environmental risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case-control study in Canada and France. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Auteurs | Beaudin, M, Salachas, F, Pradat, P-F, Dupré, N |
Journal | Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener |
Pagination | 1-9 |
Date Published | 2022 Jan 27 |
ISSN | 2167-9223 |
Abstract | : To evaluate the association between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and potential environmental risk factors, especially head traumas and pesticides, in two populations from Canada and France.: A case-control study was performed in tertiary-care centers. Consecutive ALS cases were recruited along with a control group from the same age distribution and region. Participants answered a phone-administered questionnaire. Head trauma exposure was censored at age of symptom onset, and a sensitivity analysis considering old head traumas that occurred more than 3 years before onset was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).: A total of 404 ALS cases and 381 controls completed the questionnaire. Previous head trauma was more frequently reported by cases (adjusted OR 1.50 (1.05-2.18)) with a dose-response relationship. This association was driven by a strong effect in men (adjusted OR 2.06 (1.22-3.55)) and was consistent for old traumas, but there was no association in women. For pesticides, a previous high-risk occupation was associated with ALS (adjusted OR 2.08 (1.36-3.24)), although reported occupational exposure to pesticides was not statistically significant in the multivariate model (adjusted OR 1.67 (0.97-2.97)). Past electrocution was associated with ALS (adjusted OR 1.79 (CI 1.13-2.87)), especially spinal-onset ALS. Residential exposure to pesticides, neck trauma, and welding were not associated with ALS.: Head trauma is a risk factor for ALS in men only. Previous occupation at high risk for pesticides exposure and electrocution are also risk factors for ALS. |
DOI | 10.1080/21678421.2022.2028167 |
Alternate Journal | Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener |
PubMed ID | 35084274 |