MS patients to be given vitamin D to test sun's effect on the condition

PATIENTS WITH early-stage multiple sclerosis are to be given vitamin D supplements as part of a trial to determine if a lack of sunshine may contribute to the illness.

It has long been noted that incidences of MS increase the further away from the equator people are, although doctors are not sure whether the reasons are environmental or genetic, or a combination of both.

A previous study examined discrepancies between MS rates in Donegal, which has some of the lowest sunshine levels in Ireland and has high rates of MS, and Wexford, which is the sunniest part of the country and has lower levels of the disease. The study concluded that sunshine may play a role, but it may also be down to genetics.

Consultant neurologist Dr Chris McGuigan, who works in St Vincent’s Hospital, said the study, which is scheduled to begin before the end of the year, will be carried out to see if vitamin D supplementation can stop the next “event” or seizure.

“There have been international studies which suggest a role for it in MS. Low vitamin D is implicated in other auto-immune conditions,” he said.

MS is one of the most common forms of auto-immune disease. Some 7,000 families are affected by the chronic illness, according to MS Ireland.

A survey carried out by Biogen Idec and MS Ireland found 54 per cent of patients in this country are very, or extremely, affected by decreased mobility and a similar amount by decreased sexual function.

Only 22 per cent are in full-time employment and the same amount are unemployed.

Both organisations have launched a Mobility Matters in MS website which provides advice and encouragement to people with the disease on how to maintain their mobility.

Dr McGuigan said outcomes for MS sufferers have improved dramatically in recent years and “huge progress” had been made.

He cited the introduction of injectable drugs such as Copaxone and Tysabri, with some oral drugs coming on stream, as giving real hope to patients.

“There have been huge advances, but I suspect in the next five years that the landscape of treatment is going to change again for the better,” he predicted.