Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Sardinia: A systematic cross-sectional multi-source survey

Background: Partial surveys in sub-regions of Sardinia have suggested a high prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the island, relative to other Mediterranean populations. We assessed the island-wide prevalence of MS and its detailed distribution in Sardinia. Methods: The study population consist...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Multiple sclerosis 2020-03, Vol.26 (3), p.372-380
Main Authors: Urru, Silvana AM, Antonelli, Antonello, Sechi, Giuseppe M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Information systems
Italy - epidemiology
Male
Mediterranean Islands - epidemiology
Middle Aged
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive - epidemiology
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting - epidemiology
Population studies
Prevalence
Public health
Young Adult
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Summary:Background: Partial surveys in sub-regions of Sardinia have suggested a high prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the island, relative to other Mediterranean populations. We assessed the island-wide prevalence of MS and its detailed distribution in Sardinia. Methods: The study population consisted of 5677 MS patients, 1735 men and 3942 women, living in Sardinia. Neurologists retrospectively examined electronic and paper-based records of patients with a diagnosis of MS. The data were then linked to the administrative health information systems. Crude, age-, and sex-specific prevalence estimates of disease were calculated. Results: The overall age-adjusted MS prevalence was 330 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 321–338) in individuals older than 15 years, 447 in women (95% CI 433–461), and 205 in men (95% CI 195–214). The prevalence was highest in the Ogliastra and Nuoro districts, respectively, 425 (95% CI 372–478) and 419 (95% CI 387–451), and lowest in the Olbia-Tempio district, 217 (95% CI 195–239). Most cases had relapsing–remitting MS (79.3%), 16.3% had secondary-progressive MS, and 4.4% had primary-progressive MS. Conclusion: These prevalence are among the highest reported so far worldwide. They provide estimates for comparative analyses in other populations and are essential for public health interventions.
ISSN:1352-4585
1477-0970
DOI:10.1177/1352458519828600