Multiple sclerosis in southern Europe: Monreale City, Italy. A twenty-year follow-up incidence and prevalence study.
BACKGROUND
Several follow-up studies showed increasing prevalence and incidence rates for multiple sclerosis (MS).


OBJECTIVE
To ascertain, throughout a follow-up study, the incidence and prevalence of MS in the city of Monreale, Sicily, southern Italy.


METHODS
We calculated crude and age- and sex-specific prevalence rates on December 31, 2000, and determined incidence rates for the period January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2000.


RESULTS
The prevalence of MS was 71.2 per 100,000 population (48,5/100,000 in men; 93,0/100,000 in women). The incidence rate of MS for the period 1992-2000 was 4.0/100,000 per year.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed a nonsignificant increase in MS incidence rates in Monreale city for 1992-2000 compared to 1981-1991. Prevalence rates were similar to those of the previous follow-up study. Intervals between onset of symptoms and diagnosis seemed shorter than in prior studies. There is no evidence that the high prevalence and incidence rates have changed in this interval but numbers are too small for firm statements. These findings indicate that in Monreale city MS prevalence is stable and confirm Sicily as a high-risk area for MS.
Dipartimento di Neurologia, Oftalmologia, Otorinolaringoiatria e Psichiatria, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italia.
Paolo
P
Ragonese
Giuseppe
G
Salemi
Marco
M
D'Amelio
Matilde
M
Gammino
Paolo
P
Aridon
Giovanni
G
Savettieri
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence