Geographic and temporal distribution of mortality rates for multiple sclerosis in Canada, 1965-1994

Statistics Canada data were used to calculate multiple sclerosis (MS) mortality rates per 100,000 population in the Canadian provinces from 1965 to 1994. For the period 1965-1994, the highest average annual MS mortality rates were in Quebec (4.4) and Ontario (3.9), while the Western Provinces had an intermediate rate (2.1) and the Atlantic Provinces had the lowest rate (1.2). Female mortality rates exceeded male rates in each of the four regions. Average annual MS mortality rates in Canada overall fluctuated during the past 30 years, with rates of 3.4 in 1965-1969, 4.2 in 1970-1974, 3.2 in 1975-1979, 2.3 in 1980-1984, 2.8 in 1985-1989 and 3.9 in 1990-1994. Female mortality rates exceeded male rates during each 5-year period. The highest mortality rates for both genders were in the 65 years plus age group. Rates in the under 45 years age group have remained stable, while rates in both the 45-64 and 65 years plus age groups have fluctuated. There is no apparent relationship between prevalence and mortality rates among the Canadian provinces.