Epidemiological investigations into multiple sclerosis in southern Hesse. I. Methodological problems and basic...

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with varying prevalence globally.
• Understanding regional epidemiological data is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates of multiple sclerosis in southern Hesse, West Germany.
• To investigate potential differences in MS occurrence between the native German population and immigrants.

Main Methods:

• An epidemiological field survey was conducted in southern Hesse.
• Case ascertainment involved cross-checking data from practitioners, a neurological hospital, and the MS society.
• Prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 population.

Main Results:

• A total of 472 patients were initially identified, with 75% confirmed as definite or probable MS cases.
• The overall prevalence rate was 58.3 per 100,000, with an annual incidence of 2.15 and a mortality rate of 2.0 per 100,000.
• Male patients exhibited a more rapid disease progression than females. Immigrants from Mediterranean countries had a significantly lower prevalence (14.3 per 100,000) compared to the German population (63.1 per 100,000).

Conclusions:

• The case-finding methodology ensured a relatively complete assessment of MS cases in the studied region.
• The study highlights significant variations in MS prevalence based on geographic origin and ethnicity within Hesse.
• Further research is warranted to explore the factors contributing to the observed prevalence disparities in multiple sclerosis.