Incidence and prevalence of pediatric onset multiple sclerosis in Kuwait: 1994-2013

This study aimed to assess the incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) along with temporal and gender differentials in these estimates in Kuwait.

We identified MS patients with pediatric (age <18 years) onset between 1994 and 2013 from national MS registry. Year and gender-specific incidence rate and prevalence estimates were computed. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses of time-series cross-sectional panel data were conducted to evaluate temporal and gender related variations in yearly POMS incidence rate and prevalence.

122 POMS patients were identified; of which 90 (73.8%) were females. During 2013, POMS incidence rate and prevalence (per 100,000) were 2.1 and 6.0 respectively. Multivariable Poisson regression model revealed statistically significant 5% increase in POMS incidence rate (p=0.002) and 6% increase in prevalence (p<0.001) from 1994 to 2013. Furthermore, during the study period, female children were more likely to have higher POMS incidence rate (relative rate=2.9; p<0.001) and prevalence (prevalence ratio=2.8; p<0.001).

The temporal increase and gender disparity in POMS incidence and prevalence corroborate the findings of earlier studies conducted elsewhere. Knowledge of increasing POMS burden may help in optimal planning for better management of patients in the region.