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Frequency of multiple sclerosis in Valle d'Aosta, 1971-1985
L Sironi1, A Mamoli, G D'Alessandro
1Neurology and Neurophysiopathology Department, Aosta Regional Hospital, Italy.
Abstract:
According to studies done before 1980, the multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence rate in Italy ranged from 7.2 to 27.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. More recent work has consistently put the MS prevalence rate to over 30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. If these recent data are confirmed in the future, Italy can no longer be regarded as a country at low risk for MS, but must be included among the medium-high risk countries of continental Europe. We report the results of a prevalence and incidence survey conducted in Valle d'Aosta, a region whose special features make it an excellent epidemiological model. The mean annual incidence was 2.1 and on December 31, 1985, the prevalence was 39 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. These results confirm that the incidence and prevalence rate of MS in Valle d'Aosta is close to that of areas at high-risk for MS.
Insights
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Italy is increasing, now exceeding 30 cases per 100,000. A study in Valle d'Aosta found high MS incidence and prevalence, suggesting Italy is a medium-high risk country for this neurological disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Italy was historically considered low, with pre-1980 rates between 7.2-27.1 per 100,000.
- Recent studies indicate a rise in MS prevalence, consistently above 30 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- This suggests a potential shift in Italy's risk classification for MS from low to medium-high.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and incidence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Valle d'Aosta, Italy.
- To assess if Valle d'Aosta's unique characteristics make it a suitable epidemiological model for MS research.
- To determine the current MS risk level in Italy based on regional data.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a prevalence and incidence survey in the Valle d'Aosta region.
- Collected epidemiological data on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) cases.
- Utilized Valle d'Aosta as an epidemiological model due to its specific regional features.
Main Results:
- The mean annual incidence of MS in Valle d'Aosta was recorded at 2.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
- On December 31, 1985, the prevalence of MS in the region was 39 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
- These findings indicate that MS rates in Valle d'Aosta are comparable to high-risk areas in Europe.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms that MS incidence and prevalence in Valle d'Aosta are significantly elevated.
- Italy should be reclassified as a medium-high risk country for Multiple Sclerosis.
- Further epidemiological surveillance is warranted to monitor MS trends across Italy.