[Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of multiple sclerosis and neuroopticomyelitis in the Central Asia]

To study clinical-epidemiological characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroopticomyelitis spectrum diseases (NOMSD) in Semej town (Kazakhstan) taking into account ethnic identity.

Epidemiological indicators and clinical characteristics of MS and NOMSD in Semej (the Central Asia region) were studied.

General MS prevalence was 10.1 per 100 000 population, 16.8 in Caucasians, 4.9 in Asians (OR=2.64; 95% CI 1.31-5.36). General female to male (F/M) ratio was 1:2.5, 1:1.2 in Asians; 1:5 in Caucasians. Mean age of patients and EDSS index at the time of observation were equal in both ethnic groups. Ten cases of NOMSD were found, all of them were recorded in the Asian population (prevalence 4.9 per 100 000 population). F/M was 1:9. Mean age (p=0.02) and age at disease onset (p=0.01), as well as EDSS indexes at time of onset and observation (p<0.001 and p<0.001) were higher in NOMSD patients compared to MS. No NOMSD cases were identified in Caucasians, while in Asians the equal prevalence of MS and NOMSD was shown. This finding may be explained by the presence of both Asian and Caucasian haplogroups in the Kazakh population.