Multiple sclerosis prevalence in Salta City, Argentina

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of disability in young adults.
• Prevalence data for MS in Argentina is heterogeneous, with limited information from the Northwest region.
• Previous studies primarily focused on Buenos Aires, leaving a knowledge gap for other provinces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence, phenotypes, and epidemiological characteristics of MS in Salta, Argentina.
• To contribute to understanding MS epidemiology and distribution in Argentina.
• To establish MS prevalence in the Northwest region of Argentina (NOA).

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, observational, and transversal study was conducted in Salta City.
• Data was collected from four public and private hospitals with Neurology Departments and 12 private researchers.
• Exclusion criteria included patients without recent medical control or whose last address was not in Salta.

Main Results:

• An estimated MS prevalence of 23.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was found (95% CI 20.1-27.4).
• Prevalence was higher in females (24.1 per 100,000) compared to males (18.2 per 100,000).
• The majority of cases were relapsing-remitting forms (81.8%), followed by secondary progressive (16.4%) and primary progressive (1.8%).

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first epidemiological data on MS prevalence and clinical forms in Salta City and the NOA.
• The estimated prevalence of 23.8 per 100,000 inhabitants classifies Salta as a moderate-risk area for MS.
• The findings highlight the need for further research and targeted public health strategies in the region.