[Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Region of Murcia].
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with immune-mediated pathogenesis. Recent research points to an increase in its prevalence, and a number of studies relate Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with its aetiology.


OBJECTIVE
This study seeks to analyse the prevalence of MS in the Region of Murcia, and includes a description of the clinical characteristics at the time of onset of the disease, and of the EBV serological status of patients with MS.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study based on a sample consisting of the population living within the central-west healthcare area of the Region of Murcia (257,865 inhabitants). Clinical and serological data extracted from different sources were analysed.


RESULTS
Prevalence of MS in the population under study: 88 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Prevalence of MS together with isolated demyelinating syndrome: 98.4 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Mean incidence of MS: 5.8 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year. At the onset of MS, 67.8% were females, 81.9% presented a relapsing-remitting course, the mean age was 31.4 years, the sensory system was the most frequently compromised (45.1%), onset was monofocal in 55.4% and the degree of disability on the Expanded Disability Status Scale was 2.1 points. The seroprevalence of EBV was 99.3%. The reactivation of EBV infection was related to the clinical activity of MS in 10 patients (45.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
Currently, the prevalence of MS in the Region of Murcia is similar to that estimated in other Spanish autonomous regions. The study confirms the trend of increased prevalence observed over the last few decades.
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca., El Palmar, Espana.|UCAM. Universidad Catolica San Antonio. Murcia., Guadalupe, Espana.
E
E
Carreon-Guarnizo
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Espana.
E
E
Andreu-Reinon
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Espana.|UCAM. Universidad Catolica San Antonio. Murcia., Guadalupe, Espana.
M
M
Cerdan-Sanchez
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar, Espana.
R
R
Carrasco-Torres
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Espana.|UCAM. Universidad Catolica San Antonio. Murcia., Guadalupe, Espana.
R
R
Hernandez-Clares
UCAM. Universidad Catolica San Antonio. Murcia., Guadalupe, Espana.
L
L
Prieto-Valiente
Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social, Murcia, Espana.
C
C
Garcia-Escriba
Instituto Murciano de Accion Social, Murcia, Espana.
A
A
Sola-Roca
Consejeria de Sanidad y Politica Social de la Region de Murcia, Murcia, Espana.
M E
ME
Martinez-Andreu
Consejeria de Sanidad y Politica Social de la Region de Murcia, Murcia, Espana.
M A
MA
Miralles Gonzalez-Conde
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar, Espana.
J J
JJ
Martin-Fernandez
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca., Murcia, Espana.|UCAM. Universidad Catolica San Antonio. Murcia., Guadalupe, Espana.
J E
JE
Meca-Lallana
D000328:Adult; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology