Newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis in state of Qatar

Epidemiologic studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) are well-documented in the western population but to a lesser extent in Arab world.

To study the demographics, clinical aspects, radiologic and laboratory features along with the degree of disability inflicted, and factors affecting disease progression and outcome of newly diagnosed MS patients at our institution.

Data from all newly diagnosed MS patients fulfilling McDonald criteria from January 01, 2005 to December 31, 2010 were collected and analyzed.

A total of 142 patients were identified, in which 82 (58%) were Qataris, and 90 (64%) females. Mean age was 31 years, and mean duration of symptoms was 24 days (median 15 days). Most common symptoms were sensory (63%), followed by visual (45%) and motor (43%). Mean EDSS was 2.3 at presentation. Treatment was given to 127 (89%), and relapse observed in 49%. Gadolinium enhancing lesions on follow-up MRI brain and relapsing remitting MS were associated with increased radiologic disease burden, while weakness at onset, EDSS of ≥2.5 and ≥3 clinical relapse was associated with clinical disease progression.

MS in Qatar is an emerging disorder especially in the native population. The pattern of disease differs from other Middle Eastern countries by its milder clinical and aggressive radiologic disease presentation.