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Journal of Public Health

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01-10-2017 | Review Article

Tobacco smoking and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of systematic and narrative reviews of observational studies

Authors: Insa Backhaus, Alice Mannocci, Giuseppe La Torre

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2017

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this review was to systematically review systematic and narrative reviews of observational studies published on the relation between tobacco smoking and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Subjects and methods

A systematic search of the literature in PubMed and Scopus was conducted in June 2016. Two authors independently reviewed the search results and extracted key points. Review studies (i.e., review, systematic, narrative, or meta-analysis) that reported on smoking and MS were selected. The methodological quality of included systematic reviews and meta-analyses was assessed using the AMSTAR checklist. The methodological quality of narrative reviews was evaluated using a seven-item measure developed by the authors.

Results

Seventeen reviews met the inclusion criteria and were categorized as either systematic reviews or narrative reviews. Smoking was associated with increased risk of MS for ever- compared with never-smokers and current compared with non-smokers. The summary odds ratio of MS for ever-smokers versus never-smokers varied between 1.40 (95% CI: 1.29–1.52) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.33–1.59).

Conclusion

This review of reviews identifies smoking as a risk factor for MS susceptibility. However, more research is needed to conclusively establish the mechanisms driving this association.

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Title: Tobacco smoking and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of systematic and narrative reviews of observational studies
Authors: Insa Backhaus
Alice Mannocci
Giuseppe La Torre
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2017
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-017-0811-6

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Springer Medicine

Tobacco smoking and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of systematic and narrative reviews of observational studies

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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