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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Milad Azami1, Mohammad Hossein YektaKooshali2, Masoumeh Shohani3
1Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders and is one of the main causes of disability. The prevalence and incidence of MS in Iran is reported to range from 5.3 to 89/ 100,000and 7 to 148.1/ 100,000, respectively. There are no systematic and meta-analysis studies on MS in Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and incidence of MS in Iran using meta-analysis.
Method:
A systematic review of the present study focused on MS epidemiology in Iran based on PRISMA guidelines for systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched eight international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Google Scholar search engine and six Persian databases for peer-reviewed studies published without time limit until May 2018. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive meta-analysis ver. 2 software. The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42018114491.
Results:
According to searching on different databases, 39 (15%) articles finalized. The prevalence of MS in Iran was estimated 29.3/ 100,000 (95%CI: 25.6-33.5) based on random effects model. The prevalence of MS in men and women was estimated to be 16.5/ 100,000 (95%CI: 13.7-23.4) and 44.8/ 100,000 (95%CI: 36.3-61.6), respectively. The incidence of MS in Iran was estimated to be 3.4/ 100,000 (95%CI: 1.8-6.2) based on random effects model. The incidence of MS in men was estimated to be 16.5/ 100,000 (95%CI: 13.7-23.4) and the incidence of MS in women was 44.8/ 100,000 (95%CI: 36.3-61.6). The meta-regression model for prevalence and incidence of MS was significantly higher in terms of year of study (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
The results of this study can provide a general picture of MS epidemiology in Iran. The current meta-analysis showed that the prevalence and incidence of MS in Iran is high and is rising over time.
Insights
This meta-analysis reveals a high and increasing prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran. The study highlights the rising trend of MS epidemiology in the country over time.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder and a leading cause of disability.
- Existing data on MS prevalence and incidence in Iran lacks systematic review and meta-analysis.
- This study addresses the need for a comprehensive understanding of MS epidemiology in Iran.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran.
- To systematically review and synthesize existing epidemiological data on MS in Iran.
- To identify trends in MS prevalence and incidence over time within the Iranian population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Comprehensive search of eight international and six Persian databases until May 2018.
- Data analysis using Comprehensive meta-analysis software (ver. 2) and registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42018114491).
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of MS in Iran was estimated at 29.3/100,000, with higher rates in women (44.8/100,000) than men (16.5/100,000).
- The incidence of MS in Iran was estimated at 3.4/100,000, also showing a higher rate in women (44.8/100,000) compared to men (16.5/100,000).
- Meta-regression indicated a significant increase in MS prevalence and incidence over the years (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- The meta-analysis provides a general overview of MS epidemiology in Iran.
- Both the prevalence and incidence of MS in Iran are substantial and show an upward trend.
- Findings underscore the growing public health concern of multiple sclerosis in Iran.
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