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Incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in southeastern Iran
Ali Moghtaderi1, Forough Rakhshanizadeh, Shahryar Shahraki-Ibrahimi
1Neurology Department, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. amoghtaderi@gmail.com
Background:
Based on data available, Iran is located in a low risk area for multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the current study is to determine the age and sex adjusted prevalence and incidence of MS in southeastern Iran.
Methods:
This cross-sectional case register study was conducted from January to August 2010. Considering that MS affects people aged between 16 and 50 years, we intended to find the incidence and prevalence of MS during this age range. Since all cases in this area are referred to our university hospital for confirmation of diagnosis, misdiagnosis is rare. Population data, based on the censuses carried out in 1996 and 2006, were obtained from the Iranian Bureau of Statistics to determine the number of people at risk.
Results:
Totally 206 patients were identified according to the McDonald criteria. In 2009 the age-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates of MS for 16-50 year-old adults were 13.96 and 2.67 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Based on those values; the female to male ratio was 2.18. Between 2006 and 2009, the incidence rates increased 2.4 and 2.7 times in women and men, respectively. In 2009, the prevalence rates among the age ranges of <15, 16-35, 36-50 and ≥51 years were 1.44, 14.34, 12.24 and 1.45 per 100,000 persons, respectively, and the relapsing-remitting type of MS was the most prevalent form (65.8%).
Conclusion:
According to the Kurtzke geographical distribution, the authors conclude that the prevalence of MS in southeastern Iran is in the intermediate range, and the incidence rate is showing a faster growth rate, compared to previous years.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in southeastern Iran is intermediate, with incidence growing faster than previously observed. This study determined age and sex-adjusted MS rates in the region.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is typically considered low-risk in Iran.
- Previous epidemiological data for MS in southeastern Iran is limited.
- Understanding regional MS burden is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age and sex-adjusted prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in southeastern Iran.
- To assess the current epidemiological status of MS in a region previously considered low-risk.
- To provide updated data for public health initiatives and resource allocation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional case register study was conducted from January to August 2010.
- Identified 206 patients diagnosed with MS according to McDonald criteria.
- Utilized Iranian Bureau of Statistics census data from 1996 and 2006 for population denominators.
Main Results:
- The age-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates of MS (16-50 years) in 2009 were 13.96 and 2.67 per 100,000 persons, respectively.
- The female to male ratio was 2.18, with incidence increasing 2.4-2.7 times in women and men between 2006-2009.
- Relapsing-remitting MS was the most common form (65.8%).
Conclusions:
- Southeastern Iran falls within the intermediate range for MS prevalence based on Kurtzke's geographical distribution.
- The incidence rate of MS in the region is increasing at a faster pace than in previous years.
- These findings highlight the need for ongoing surveillance and potential re-evaluation of MS risk in the area.
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