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The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in central Italy.

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in central Italy.

Authors :
Millefiorini, Enrico
Cortese, Antonio
Di Rezze, Simone
Barletta, Giovanna
Bellantonio, Paolo
Batocchi, Anna P
Di Battista, Giancarlo
Fiore, Stefania
Gasperini, Claudio
Grasso, Maria Grazia
Koudriatseva, Tatiana
Totaro, Rocco
Durastanti, Valentina
Source :
Multiple Sclerosis (13524585); 12/01/2010, Vol. 16 Issue 12, p1432-1436, 5p, 1 Chart, 1 Map
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis varies considerably throughout the world.Objective: To better define the prevalence of MS in central Italy.Methods: This is a population-based study conducted in the province of Frosinone, which is situated in the Lazio region, central Italy. The selected prevalence day was 1 January 2007. A total of 467 patients, with a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, were considered for crude, age- and sex-specific prevalence estimation.Results: The overall crude prevalence rate was 95.0 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.6—104.0). A significantly higher prevalence rate was recorded in females (134.9, 95% CI 121.0—150.1) than in males (53.3, 95% CI 44.4—63.3) (p = 0.001). Age-specific prevalence peaked in the 25—34 year, 35—44 year and 45—54 year age groups; moreover, it was found to increase up to the 35—44 year age group in males and the 45—54 year age group in females, decreasing thereafter. The female to male ratio was 2.6.Conclusions: The results confirm that MS occurs more frequently in central Italy than might be expected on the basis of the geographic-related distribution model, thus supporting the view that this is a high-risk area for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13524585
Volume :
16
Issue :
12
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Multiple Sclerosis (13524585)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
55532554
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/1352458510373263