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Updated: Dec 19, 2025
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
10.9K
Changes in multiple sclerosis epidemiology in Finland over five decades
Anna-Leena Pirttisalo1, Merja Soilu-Hänninen1, Marja-Liisa Sumelahti2
1Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|June 6, 2020
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Finland shows significant regional variation, concentrated in western areas. New data confirms a steady increase in MS cases over decades, emphasizing the need for standardized epidemiological reporting.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Finland has a high incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Previous epidemiological studies on MS in Finland, dating back to 1964, require comprehensive review.
- Regional variations in MS occurrence within Finland are suspected but not fully analyzed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing Finnish MS epidemiology studies.
- To present new MS prevalence data from western Finland.
- To analyze and compare epidemiological figures for consistency and regional differences.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed for Finnish MS epidemiology studies.
- Retrospective analysis of hospital administrative registries for MS prevalence data (1980-2007) in western Finnish hospital districts.
- Calculation of age-standardized MS prevalence rates for enhanced comparability.
Main Results:
- Confirmed significant regional disparities in MS epidemiology, with higher concentrations in western and southwestern Finland.
- The highest age-standardized MS prevalence was 288/100,000 in South Ostrobothnia in 2007.
- A consistent rise in MS prevalence was observed over the decades, with a notable incidence increase in the 1990s.
Conclusions:
- MS epidemiology in Finland is characterized by distinct regional patterns, particularly in the west.
- Methodological inconsistencies across studies hinder direct comparisons, underscoring the need for standardized reporting.
- Further comprehensive epidemiological research is crucial for understanding the etiology of MS.
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