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Multiple sclerosis amongst Chinese in Hong Kong
1Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital.
Abstract:
A territory-wide investigation of southern Chinese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) was conducted in Hong Kong. There were 47 patients, 35 of whom were clinically definite (CDMS), 6 laboratory-supported definite (LSDMS) and 6 clinically probable (CPMS). The prevalence rate was 0.88 per 10(5) population, which is of the same order as in other Oriental populations but much lower than in Caucasoid populations. Comparisons with major Oriental and Caucasian series showed essentially the same clinical picture with only minor variations. In one autopsy case, the lesions were found mainly in the optic nerves and spinal cord, with marked softening in addition to the classical demyelination features. In contrast to findings in Caucasians, the detection rate of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid was low (33% in CDMS patients) and there was no association with human leucocyte antigens. The possible implications of these findings on the pathogenesis of MS are discussed.
Insights
This study investigated multiple sclerosis (MS) in Hong Kong, finding a low prevalence rate compared to Caucasian populations. The clinical presentation was similar, but with fewer oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with varying prevalence globally.
- Understanding regional variations in MS epidemiology and clinical presentation is crucial for pathogenesis research.
Observation:
- A territory-wide investigation of 47 southern Chinese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) was conducted in Hong Kong.
- Prevalence was 0.88 per 10^5 population, lower than in Caucasian populations.
- Clinical picture showed minor variations compared to Oriental and Caucasian series.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed lesions mainly in optic nerves and spinal cord with softening.
- Low detection rate of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (33% in definite MS patients).
- No association found between oligoclonal bands and human leucocyte antigens.
Implications:
- Findings suggest potential differences in MS pathogenesis between ethnic groups.
- Lower oligoclonal band detection may indicate distinct immunogenetic factors in Chinese MS patients.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific factors influencing MS in Southern Chinese populations.