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Published on: December 9, 2015
Worldwide epidemiology of paediatric multiple sclerosis: data from the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation
Grace Gombolay1,2, Laura Johnson3, Rachel King4
1Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA grace.yoonheekim.gombolay@emory.edu.
Insights
Global paediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence is estimated at 1.48 per 100,000. Data access from low-income countries is challenging, highlighting the need for resources and standardized methods for rare disease epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Global Health
Background:
- Limited global data exist on paediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) rates.
- This study estimates the worldwide prevalence of paediatric MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the global prevalence of paediatric multiple sclerosis.
- To identify factors influencing data availability and prevalence rates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 2020-2022 paediatric MS prevalence data from the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Atlas of MS.
- Incorporated child neurologist prevalence data from the International Child Neurology Association.
- Classified countries by WHO Region and World Bank Income, performing descriptive analyses and adjusting prevalence rates for outliers and income distribution.
Main Results:
- Paediatric MS data were available for 24% of countries, with 31,420 total cases.
- Lower-income countries reported significantly lower prevalence bands (<1.0 per 100,000) compared to higher-income countries.
- Estimated global paediatric MS prevalence was 1.48 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.45 to 1.51), with prevalence positively correlating with child neurologist rates.
Conclusions:
- Data acquisition from resource-limited nations for paediatric MS epidemiology is difficult.
- Enhanced resources and standardized methodologies are crucial for understanding rare disease epidemiology.
Background:
Limited data are available on the global rates of paediatric multiple sclerosis. Here, we report on the estimated worldwide prevalence of paediatric MS.
Methods:
We included paediatric prevalence data in 2020-2022 (Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Atlas of MS) and the prevalence of child neurologists (International Child Neurology Association). Data were split into prevalence bands per 100 000. Countries were classified by the WHO Region and World Bank Income. Descriptive analyses were performed. An estimated worldwide prevalence rate was calculated from the 2020-2022 paediatric prevalence data, which was adjusted to reduce outliers' impact and to reflect worldwide income distribution. The Atlas of MS data was obtained via survey of coordinators from the countries who use different tracking methods including national registries vs crude estimates.
Results:
Paediatric data were available in 24% (53/219) countries (38 higher and 15 lower income) with 31 420 total paediatric MS cases. In 2022, 67% (10/15) of lower income countries reported prevalence bands of '<1.0' compared with 34% (13/38) of higher income countries. Only 7% (1/15) of lower income countries reported prevalence bands '≥3.1'compared with 34% (13/38) of higher income countries. The rates of child neurologists positively correlated with the prevalence band. In 2020-2022, the estimated global prevalence (crude) was 2.53/100 000 (95% CI 2.51 to 2.56), with an adjusted prevalence rate of 1.48/100 000 (95% CI 1.45 to 1.51).
Conclusions:
Access to epidemiology data from resource-limited countries is challenging including surveillance for case ascertainment. Increased resources and standard methodologies will facilitate the understanding of rare disease epidemiology.
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