Vaccination as a risk factor for pediatric multiple sclerosis: Insights from a retrospective case-control study.

Abstract

This study evaluated the association between pediatric multiple sclerosis and vaccinations within 5 years before diagnosis using German ambulatory claims data. Children with multiple sclerosis (n = 346) aged 9-17 were analyzed with logistic and Poisson regression. Control groups included children with Crohn's disease, psoriasis, and no autoimmune diseases. The results indicated a negative association between vaccinations and pediatric multiple sclerosis, with no significant risk identified. This negative relationship was consistent in sensitivity and clinically isolated syndrome analyses. Overall, the study's findings do not support the hypothesis that vaccination is a risk factor for pediatric multiple sclerosis.