Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Serbian district Sumadija

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the district of Sumadija (central part of Serbia).

All persons suffering from MS, with permanent residence in the region, were recruited. Prevalence was calculated on December 31, 2006, according to a standard procedure.

On December 31, 2006, one hundred ninety-four patients (72 males and 122 females) were found to have MS. We found a crude MS prevalence of 64.9/100,000 (49.3/100,000 for males and 79.9/ 100,000 for females). The highest prevalence rates were registered in the age group of 30-39 years for females and 40-49 years for males, although the age-specific rates were higher in females in all age groups. The mean age at onset was 34.2 ± 9.3 years. The average duration of MS was 8.9 ± 6.2 years. The median EDSS score was 3.9 ± 2.0. The course of MS was relapsing-remitting in 63.9% of patients, secondary progressive in 32.5%, and primary progressive in 3.6%. At MS onset, motor symptoms were present in 70.1% of patients, sensory in 40.7%, cerebellar in 21.1%, brainstem in 15.5%, visual in 22.2%, and bowel/bladder disturbances in 22.2%.

Our results demonstrate that the MS prevalence registered in the Serbian district Sumadija is similar to that of other surrounding areas in Southeastern Europe.