title: Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in London and Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada.
abstract: A case-controlled epidemiologic study of multiple sclerosis (MS) was carried out in London, Ontario, and its surrounding Middlesex County for the period 1974-1983. The prevalence rates for clinically definite/probable MS on January 1, 1984 were 94/100,000 for the city and 91/100,000 for the county. The estimated annual incidence rate for the decade 1974-83 was 3.4/100,000. The female-to-male sex ratio was 2.5:1. A familial history of MS was recorded in 14.4% of close relatives and a total of 17% when distant relatives are included. The MS group is predominantly of British (70%) and European (23%) origin. The urban-rural residence pattern analysis indicates no significant regional influence on the risk of developing MS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, University Hospital, London, Canada.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Hader
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elliot
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Ebers
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009864:Ontario