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Published on: December 9, 2015
National estimate of multiple sclerosis incidence in France (2001-2007)
A Fromont1, C Binquet, Ea Sauleau
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Dijon, France.
Background:
In France, the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well known, and MS is one of the 30 long-term illnesses for which patients are covered for 100% of their health care costs.
Objective:
To estimate the incidence of MS in France and its geographic variations.
Methods:
We estimated the national rate for notification of MS to the main French health insurance system, and its confidence interval (CI), between November 2000 and October 2007, which covers 87% of the population. We analysed geographic variations using a Bayesian approach.
Results:
Between November 2000 and October 2007, among a covered population of 52,449,871, some 28,682 individuals were registered as having MS. After age standardization according to the European population, the notification rate for MS was 6.8 per 100,000 (6.7-6.9), 9.8 (9.7-10.0) in women and 3.7 (3.6-3.8) in men. When the under-notification rate (11.5% and 29%) was taken into account, the notification rate per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated between 7.6 and 8.8. The notification rate was higher in north-eastern France, and lower on the Atlantic coast and in the Alps as well as on both sides of the Rhône River.
Conclusions:
This study, conducted on a representative French population, provides for the first time national estimates of MS incidence between November 2000 and October 2007.
Insights
This study estimates multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence in France, finding higher rates in women and northeastern regions. These findings provide crucial data for understanding MS prevalence and geographic variations across the nation.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a significant long-term illness in France, with its incidence and geographic distribution previously unknown.
- Understanding MS incidence is vital as it is one of the 30 illnesses fully covered by French healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the national incidence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in France.
- To analyze the geographic variations in MS incidence across different regions of France.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the main French health insurance system, covering 87% of the population from November 2000 to October 2007.
- Calculated the national MS notification rate and its confidence interval.
- Employed a Bayesian approach to analyze geographic variations in MS incidence.
Main Results:
- An age-standardized MS notification rate of 6.8 per 100,000 was observed.
- Higher incidence rates were noted in women (9.8 per 100,000) compared to men (3.7 per 100,000).
- Geographic analysis revealed higher MS notification rates in northeastern France, with lower rates along the Atlantic coast, in the Alps, and along the Rhône River.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first national estimates of Multiple Sclerosis incidence in France for the period 2000-2007.
- The findings highlight significant geographic variations in MS incidence within France.
- The data offers a foundation for further epidemiological research and public health strategies concerning MS.
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