Features of transverse body dimensions in Ukrainian men and women with multiple sclerosis

Annotation. Transverse body dimensions are an important characteristic of a person's somatotype and may be one of the factors associated with the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The study of these parameters in men and women allows not only to assess the possible relationship between morphometric features and the onset of the disease, but also to predict its potential severity. The analysis of such changes may contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of multiple sclerosis, which, in turn, opens up opportunities for improving methods of early diagnosis and developing effective prevention strategies. The aim of this study is to establish the characteristics and sex differences in the transverse dimensions of the body in Ukrainian men and women with multiple sclerosis with varying degrees of disability. As a control group, the primary transverse dimensions of the body of 82 practically healthy Ukrainian men and 101 women of similar age were taken from the data bank of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya Research Center. Statistical analysis was performed in the licensed package “Statistica 6.0” using non-parametric evaluation methods. Statistical analysis was performed in the licensed package “Statistica 6.0” using non-parametric evaluation methods. When comparing the transverse dimensions of the body between practically healthy and multiple sclerosis men or women, it was found that: in all groups of sick men and women – larger values of the width of the distal epiphysis (WDE) of the forearm, transverse lower thoracic diameter and interspinous distance; in most groups of male and female patients – higher values of WDE of the tibia, transverse mid-thoracic, anteroposterior mid-thoracic diameters, shoulder width and intertrochanteric distance, as well as lower values of WDE of the thigh; in most groups of male patients – lower values of intercristal distance; in most groups of female patients – higher values of WDE of the shoulder. The lower values of WDE of the thigh established in most groups of male patients and women against the background of higher values of WDE of the tibia, as well as higher values of interspinous and intertrochanteric distance in most groups of male patients against the background of lower values of intercristal distance, are manifestations of a “subpathological” constitutional type. Between men or women with multiple sclerosis, numerous reliable or trends of differences were established only for WDE of the long tubular bones of the limbs (higher values in men with moderately severe disorders, and in women with moderate disorders). Pronounced manifestations of sexual dimorphism were found between male and female patients with multiple sclerosis for all WDE indices of long tubular bones of the limbs and most trunk diameters (higher values in men in general groups and in patients with mild and moderately severe disorders).