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Published on: December 9, 2015
Multiple sclerosis in Móstoles, central Spain
J Benito-León1, E Martin, L Vela
1Service of Neurology, Hospital-Fundación de Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
Objectives:
Until relatively recently southern Europe was regarded as having a medium to low multiple sclerosis prevalence, of about 20 or less per 100,000. However, recent studies in Sardinia, Sicily, continental Italy, Cyprus and Spain have yielded higher MS prevalence rates, between 32 and 102.6 per 100,000. We present the results of a prevalence study of MS in the municipality of M6stoles, central Spain.
Material And Methods:
To ascertain the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in M6stoles (195,979 inhabitants), an intensive study was undertaken using several sources of information. We used the Poser criteria in diagnosis.
Results:
There were 85 patients (53 women and 32 men) classified as definite or probable, prevalence 43.4/100,000 (95% CI, 34.7 to 53.7). The incidence rate was 3.8/100,000/year (95% CI, 2.7 to 5.3) in the last 5 years. Mean age on prevalence day was 38.8+/-10.9 years. Mean age at onset was 31.7+/-9.3 years. Mean interval between initial symptoms and diagnosis was 1.7 years. Mean duration of disease was 7.6+/-6.1 years. Overall, 70.6% had a relapsing-remitting course, 18.8% had a primary progressive and 10.5% had a secondary progressive. Mean EDSS score was 2.7+/-1.9.
Conclusion:
The M6stoles study confirms the conclusions of previous smaller population studies that Spain is a moderately high or medium MS risk zone.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in southern Europe is higher than previously thought. This study in Móstoles, Spain, found an MS prevalence of 43.4 per 100,000, confirming Spain as a medium to high-risk zone.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Southern Europe was historically considered a low to medium multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence region.
- Recent studies indicate higher MS prevalence rates in various parts of southern Europe, including Spain.
- This study investigates MS prevalence in Móstoles, central Spain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Móstoles, Spain.
- To contribute to understanding the geographical distribution of MS in southern Europe.
- To update epidemiological data on MS in the region.
Main Methods:
- An intensive prevalence study was conducted in Móstoles, a municipality with 195,979 inhabitants.
- Multiple data sources were utilized to identify cases.
- The Poser criteria were applied for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- A total of 85 patients (53 female, 32 male) were identified as definite or probable MS cases.
- The overall prevalence of MS was calculated at 43.4 per 100,000 population (95% CI, 34.7 to 53.7).
- The incidence rate over the last 5 years was 3.8 per 100,000 per year.
Conclusions:
- The findings from Móstoles align with previous studies suggesting Spain is a medium to high-risk area for MS.
- This study reinforces the need for updated epidemiological data on MS prevalence across southern Europe.
- The results highlight the importance of continued research into MS risk factors and distribution.
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