Risk of multiple myeloma in a case–spouse study

Abstract

This study examined lifestyle, occupation, medical history and medication use with multiple myeloma risk in a case-spouse study (481 patients, 351 spouses). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Compared to spouse controls, cases were more likely to have a family history of multiple myeloma (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.2-6.4) and smoked cigarettes (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2-2.5), but less likely to have consumed alcohol (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4-0.9). Nurse/health practitioners (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3-6.2) and production workers (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.0-13.7) had significantly increased risks; and some occupations linked to diesel exhaust had elevated, but non-significant, risks. History of herpes simplex (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2-2.4), shingles (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.7), sexually transmitted diseases (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.0-3.7) and medication allergies (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2-2.4) were associated with higher risks. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, anti-convulsants, antidepressants, statins and diuretics were associated with reduced risks. The results are consistent with previous population-based studies and support the utility of patient databanks and spouse controls as a resource in epidemiologic research.

Childhood infectious diseases and risk of multiple myeloma: an analysis of the Italian multicentre case-control study

“…Likewise, Gramenzi et al [5], in a hospital-based case-control study in Italy (117 cases and 477 controls) did not find any clear association with common childhood viral infections. More recently, a case-control study in the USA, which included 481 MM patients and 351 controls selected among cases spouses, did not find any association between chickenpox infections and MM risk, but only infections diagnosed after 20 years of age were recorded in the questionnaire [6]. The potential effect of vaccination was also analysed, but a significant difference between cases and controls was not found for measles, mumps and rubella.…”