Updated Prevalence and Demographic Characteristics for ALS Cases in Texas, 2009-2011.
OBJECTIVE
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare motor neuron disease with incidence rates ranging from 1 to 2/100,000 person-years. The Texas Department of State Health Services previously conducted surveillance for ALS in three metropolitan areas of Texas. This project provides an update to this research, while expanding its scope to the entire state.


METHODS
The Texas Department of State Health Services contacted neurologists throughout Texas to determine whether they diagnose or treat patients with ALS. Those neurologists who cared for Texas residents with ALS between 2009 and 2011 were asked to complete a one-page case reporting form for each patient.


RESULTS
A total of 1422 unique cases were received. The average crude annual incidence rate was 1.30/100,000 person-years and the 2009 period prevalence rate was 2.92/100,000 individuals. Reported cases were most likely to be 60 to 69 years old, non-Hispanic, white, and men.


CONCLUSIONS
This project provides an update to previously published Texas-specific epidemiological data regarding ALS; also, we note that our findings are consistent with previously published studies.
From the McKing Consulting Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin.
Lindsay
L
Rechtman
From the McKing Consulting Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin.
Laurie
L
Wagner
From the McKing Consulting Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin.
Wendy
W
Kaye
From the McKing Consulting Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin.
John
J
Villanacci
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology