Related Experiment Videos
Multiple sclerosis: Indian experience in the last thirty years
Abstract:
A total of 354 cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) were collected from various published reports from India over the last three decades. MS is definitely an uncommon disease in India. Certain clinical characteristics, previously noted individually, have been confirmed to exist in India. When compared to MS in Western countries, the Indian cases show a relatively high incidence of optic nerve involvement (both at the onset and during the course of the disease). Neuromyelitis optical is also seen more frequently. MS may be more common in northern as compared to southern India. In isolated studies HLA-B12 has been reported to be associated with MS in India and positive CSF oligoclonal bands have been seen in only 30% of the cases.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is uncommon in India but shares some clinical traits with Western cases. Indian MS patients frequently experience optic nerve issues and neuromyelitis optica, potentially more so in northern regions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease with a variable incidence globally.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of MS in diverse populations like India is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in India based on published data.
- To compare the presentation of MS in India with that observed in Western countries.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and analysis of 354 cases of MS reported in India over the past three decades.
- Comparison of clinical features, including optic nerve involvement and neuromyelitis optica incidence, with international data.
Main Results:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is confirmed as uncommon in India.
- Indian MS cases exhibit a higher incidence of optic nerve involvement and neuromyelitis optica compared to Western populations.
- A potential geographical variation, with higher prevalence in northern India, was suggested.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) in India presents with distinct features, notably increased optic nerve and neuromyelitis optica involvement.
- Further research is needed to confirm geographical variations and understand the specific etiological factors in the Indian subcontinent.