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Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in the Republic of Moldova
Cristina Marcoci1, Vitalie Lisnic, Mihail Gavriliuc
1Department of Neurology, University of Medicine, N. Testemix0163;anu, Republic of Moldova.
Background:
The occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) increases in populations featuring both high and low disease burden, and variations across regions at the same latitude are reported. MS epidemiological data in Eastern Europe are scarce and out of date. We report on sex- and age-specific prevalence of MS in the Republic of Moldova.
Methods:
Benefitting from a nationwide survey aimed to quantify the MS burden in Moldovans (3,559,541 population in 2012), multiple epidemiological sources were scrutinized.
Results:
On prevalence day, December 31, 2012, 747 MS patients (McDonald criteria) resided in the study area, yielding a crude prevalence of 20.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 14.7-27.1), 25.7 (95% CI 20.5-30.5) in women and 15.8 (95% CI 12.2-19.3) in men (F:M ratio of 1.63), and standardized estimates of 20.2, 24.3 and 15.5 per 100,000, respectively. Prevalence was highest in the age group 40-49 years (43.9 per 100,000) and higher in rural (72.6%) than in urban (27.4%) areas.
Conclusions:
This is the first report on sex- and age-specific prevalence of MS in the Republic of Moldova, which was lower than in Europe on average, but consistent with that of neighboring countries, Romania and Ukraine. Moldovans represent a population wherein MS natural history is not yet influenced by use of disease-modifying drugs.
Insights
This study reports the first sex- and age-specific prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Moldova. MS prevalence was 20.9 per 100,000, with higher rates in women and rural areas.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence varies globally, with limited data from Eastern Europe.
- Regional variations exist even at similar latitudes, necessitating localized epidemiological studies.
- Eastern European MS epidemiological data are scarce and outdated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sex- and age-specific prevalence of MS in the Republic of Moldova.
- To provide updated epidemiological data on MS in Eastern Europe.
- To establish a baseline for future MS research in Moldova.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nationwide survey data from 2012, covering a population of 3,559,541.
- Scrutinized multiple epidemiological sources for patient identification.
- Applied McDonald criteria for MS diagnosis.
Main Results:
- A total of 747 MS patients were identified as of December 31, 2012.
- Crude MS prevalence was 20.9 per 100,000 population.
- Prevalence was higher in women (25.7 per 100,000) than men (15.8 per 100,000), with a F:M ratio of 1.63.
- Prevalence peaked in the 40-49 age group (43.9 per 100,000) and was higher in rural (72.6%) than urban (27.4%) areas.
Conclusions:
- This is the inaugural report on sex- and age-specific MS prevalence in Moldova.
- Moldovan MS prevalence is lower than the European average but aligns with neighboring countries like Romania and Ukraine.
- The Moldovan population offers a unique opportunity to study MS natural history without the confounding influence of disease-modifying drugs.
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