A published in Neurology has uncovered alarming health disparities affecting children with multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The research, conducted by Dr. Kimberly A. O’Neill and colleagues at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, suggests that social factors can significantly influence the severity of MS in young patients.
The study, which involved 138 individuals diagnosed with MS before age 18, found that those from less advantaged neighborhoods showed larger volumes of brain inflammation and tissue loss on imaging scans. Notably, participants who self-identified as Black or Latino, came from families with lower parental education levels, or had public health insurance exhibited worse brain imaging outcomes.
Dr. O’Neill emphasized, “Our findings suggest that social disadvantage in childhood can have lasting effects on MS severity.” The research revealed that social factors accounted for 26% of the difference in white matter lesion volume and 23% of the difference in black hole volume among participants, indicating irreversible brain tissue loss.
Public health insurance emerged as the strongest predictor of increased inflammation and tissue loss. Patients with public insurance had significantly larger white matter lesion and black hole volumes compared to those with private insurance.
Interestingly, the disparities were not explained by differences in access to neurological care or medication effectiveness, suggesting deeper systemic issues at play. The study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions and further research to address these health inequities in pediatric MS care.
As childhood is a crucial period for environmental exposures that may increase MS susceptibility, understanding and mitigating the impact of social disadvantage could be key to improving outcomes for young MS patients from minority and low-income communities.
See: “Health care disparities are tied to worse outcomes for kids with multiple sclerosis, study suggests” (November 27, 2024)
