[Descriptive study of first visits in a multiple sclerosis specialised unit].
BACKGROUND
The need for optimal care has led to implementation of multiple sclerosis care units, specialised in diagnosis and follow-up of multiple sclerosis patients. Since information on multiple sclerosis prognosis is crucial, accurate diagnosis is one of their major roles.


METHODS
Prospective analysis of first visits during a year (origin and diagnosis) at the Unidad de Neuroinmunología Clínica of Hospital Vall d'Hebron.


RESULTS
A total of 437 first visits were analysed; a moderate agreement (kappa = 0.468) between referral diagnoses and diagnosis at follow-up was obtained; agreement was very good (kappa = 0.844) between diagnosis at first visit and diagnosis at follow-up. In the subgroup of 200 patients with a demyelinating disease on follow-up after one year, 37.6% of referrals came from other non-specialised centers and 40.6% from our own center.


CONCLUSIONS
Specialised care units enhance diagnostic precision; direct influence zone and non-specialised centers referrals are their more important sources of patients.
Sastre-Garriga
J
J
Unidad de Neuroinmunología Clínica. Hospital Vall d'Hebron. Barcelona. Spain. jsastre@hg.vhebron.es
Río
J
J
Nos
C
C
Galán
I
I
Tintoré
M
M
Montalbán
X
X
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013030:Spain; D014600:Utilization Review
Estudio descriptivo de las primeras visitas en una unidad especializada en esclerosis múltiple.