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The incidence and prevalence of reported multiple sclerosis
Annals of Neurology
|November 1, 1981
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affected an estimated 123,000 people in the U.S. in 1976, with an annual incidence of 8,800 new cases. This study details the prevalence and demographic patterns of MS.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with significant public health implications.
- Understanding the epidemiological landscape of MS is crucial for resource allocation and healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, prevalence, and economic impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States.
- To report the initial findings from a comprehensive national survey on MS.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a national survey to gather data on multiple sclerosis patients.
- Collected data on demographic characteristics and disease patterns for incidence and prevalence populations.
Main Results:
- Estimated 123,000 multiple sclerosis patients in the U.S. on January 1, 1976 (58 per 100,000).
- Estimated annual incidence of 8,800 new cases between 1970-1975 (4.2 per 100,000).
- Confirmed MS is more prevalent in females, white individuals, those aged 30-50, and residents north of the 37th parallel.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first comprehensive national data on multiple sclerosis epidemiology in the U.S.
- Demographic patterns observed align with previous, less extensive studies.
- Further examination of disease characteristics in incidence and prevalence groups is warranted.