THE INCIDENCE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN JOINVILLE, BRAZIL.

Introduction: The incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) varies considerably around the world. To our knowledge, no population-based study related to MS has been carried out and published in Brazil. Therefore, the aim of this research was to measure the incidence of MS in the city of Joinville, in southern Brazil. Materials and Methods: All new patient cases diagnosed with MS between 2010 and 2014 in the city of Joinville were recorded. Individuals diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and already in conversion before 2013 were recorded as MS cases. Tire revised 2010 McDonald criteria were applied for the clinical diagnosis of MS and CIS. The rates were adjusted to the Brazilian and world population. Results: The definite and probable age-adjusted MS incidence was 3.2 (95%CI, 1.9-5.1) per 100,000 inhabitants. Seven patients were diagnosed with CIS over the four year period. Of these, three patients (43%) converted to MS in 2013. The median conversion time from CIS to MS was six months. Discussion and Conclusion: The incidence of MS in Joinville, located in tropical Latin America, was similar to the 1.76 (95%CI, 1.1-2.8) per 100,000 inhabitants found in Argentina (southern Latin America). Taking into consideration that the time for evolution of CIS to MS is 3-4 years, this present study demonstrated a conversion of 43% of patients in 1 year. The CIS to MS conversion time found was also similar tosome other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]