Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in central Poland, 2010-2014
Waldemar Brola1, Piotr Sobolewski2, Stanisław Flaga3
1Department of Neurology, Specialist Hospital in Końskie, 41 Gimnazjalna Street, 26-200, Końskie, Poland. wbrola@wp.pl.
Background:
Comprehensive epidemiologic data for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Poland are limited. The aim of this cross-sectional population-based study was to determine the incidence and prevalence of MS in the Swietokrzyskie Region (central Poland).
Methods:
This study identified MS cases every year between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. The study area population on the prevalence day (December 31, 2014) was 1,263,176 (646,506 women and 616,670 men). A total of 1462 patients with a clinically definite diagnosis of MS according to McDonald's criteria (2005), recorded in the Polish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, were considered for estimation of crude, age- and sex-specific prevalence, and incidence.
Results:
The overall crude prevalence rate of confirmed MS patients was 115.7/100,000 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 111.2-121.4). A significantly higher prevalence was recorded in females (159.6/100,000; 95 % CI, 151.1-165.3) than in males (69.7/100,000; 95 % CI, 62.4-77.3) (P < 0.001). Age-adjusted rates for the Polish and European Standard Population were 109.8/100,000 (95 % CI, 105.4-114.8) and 106.6/100,000 (95 % CI, 101.1-111.2), respectively. The female/male ratio was 2.4. The mean annual incidence was 4.2/100,000 (95 % CI. 3.7-4.4).
Conclusion:
The incidence and prevalence of MS in the Swietokrzyskie region confirm that central Poland is a high risk area for MS. Compared with previous epidemiologic studies from Poland, the prevalence of MS has increased during recent years.
Insights
This study reveals multiple sclerosis (MS) is prevalent in central Poland, with higher rates in women. The incidence and prevalence of MS in the Swietokrzyskie region indicate a high-risk area.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited epidemiologic data for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Poland.
- Need for current incidence and prevalence data in central Poland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of MS in the Swietokrzyskie Region of central Poland.
- To provide updated epidemiologic data for MS in Poland.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, population-based study conducted from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014.
- Utilized data from the Polish Multiple Sclerosis Registry for 1462 patients with clinically definite MS diagnoses.
- Calculated crude, age-specific, and sex-specific prevalence and incidence rates based on a population of 1,263,176.
Main Results:
- Overall crude MS prevalence was 115.7/100,000, significantly higher in females (159.6/100,000) than males (69.7/100,000).
- Age-adjusted prevalence rates were 109.8/100,000 (Polish Standard) and 106.6/100,000 (European Standard).
- Mean annual incidence was 4.2/100,000, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.4.
Conclusions:
- The Swietokrzyskie region is a high-risk area for MS.
- MS prevalence in Poland has increased in recent years compared to previous studies.
- Findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and research on MS epidemiology in Poland.
