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The changing face of multiple sclerosis: Prevalence and incidence in an aging population
C Solaro1, M Ponzio2, E Moran3
1Neurology Unit, Head and Neck Department, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 3 - ASL3, Genoa, Italy csolaro@libero.it.
Objective:
To assess multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence from 1998 to 2007, and MS prevalence on 31 December 2007, in the province of Genoa, Italy.
Methods:
We identified MS cases diagnosed before 31 December 2007 by analyzing archives of hospitals with neurological or rehabilitation wards, the local Italian MS society, family doctor records and requests for oligoclonal band analysis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Results:
A total of 1312 MS patients were residing in the province of Genoa on the prevalence day; 431 (32.85%) were men and 881 (67.15%) were women; mean age was 50.6 (± 13.9). The overall crude MS prevalence rate was 148.5/100,000; 103.1/100,000 in men and 189.1/100,000 in women. The crude mean annual MS incidence rate was 6.6 cases/100,000 (4.4/100,000 men; 8.6/100,000 women). Mean age at diagnosis was 39.5 ± 12.3 (men: 39.9 ± 13.0; women: 39.3 ± 11.9). A mean annual incidence of 4 MS patients ≥ 60 was observed.
Conclusions:
We observed an increased MS prevalence in the province of Genoa, compared to 1997. The mean age at diagnosis was relatively high (39 years old), 18% of our MS patients were over 65, and a notable incidence increase was seen in patients over 60. This has important implications, in terms of the need to organize the health system to better serve elderly MS patients, especially considering comorbidities and different medical needs of elderly MS patients; and to increase awareness within the medical community about the increasing risk of newly-presenting MS in the older population.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence increased in Genoa, Italy, with a higher incidence observed in older adults. This highlights the need for healthcare system adjustments to accommodate the growing elderly MS population and their unique medical requirements.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Understanding the epidemiological trends of MS is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Genoa, Italy, between 1998 and 2007.
- To analyze demographic data and identify trends in MS diagnosis and affected age groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MS cases diagnosed before December 31, 2007.
- Data sources included hospital archives, the Italian MS society, general practitioner records, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal band analysis.
Main Results:
- A total of 1312 MS patients were identified in Genoa.
- The overall crude prevalence rate was 148.5/100,000, with higher rates in women (189.1/100,000) than men (103.1/100,000).
- The mean annual incidence rate was 6.6/100,000, with a notable increase in individuals over 60.
Conclusions:
- MS prevalence in Genoa has increased compared to previous years.
- The mean age at diagnosis is relatively high (39 years), with a significant proportion of patients over 65.
- Healthcare systems must adapt to the needs of an aging MS population, and medical professionals should be aware of the rising incidence in older adults.
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