Prevalence Of Multiple Sclerosis In The Metropolitan Area Of Edirne City, Turkey

• Published in: Balkan medical journal Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 193 - 196
• Main Authors: Celik, Yahya, Birgili, Ozlem, Kiyat, Asli, Guldiken, Baburhan, Ozkan, Hulya, Yilmaz, Hakan, Saip, Sebahattin, Kuscu, Dilek, Sutlas, Nevin, Agaoglu, Jale, Utku, Ufuk, Siva, Aksel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Galenos Publishing House 01.06.2011
• Subjects: epidemiology; incidence; Multiple Sclerosis; prevalance; Turkey
• ISSN: 1301-3149; 2146-3123; 2146-3131
• DOI: 10.5174/tutfd.2010.04089.0

Objective: The prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis may vary according to the influence of the altitude of a geographical area as well as the genetic and environmental factors. This study ained to determine the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Edirne population.Material and Methods: Patients with a definite diagnosis of MS according to McDonald’s criteria, admitted to one of the three MS clinics in Edirne, were included in this two-stage study. Also the records of hospitals in İstanbul serving patients from Edirne, have been evaluated. Results: The prevalence rate of confirmed MS patients was 33.9/100000 (95% CI: 32-36) in 2003. The mean annual incidence was 3.48/100000 (95% CI: 2.90-4.00). Mean age of the patients was 36.5±9.6 years. Mean age at onset was 29.2±8.5 years. Mean duration of disease was 6.9±5.2 years. Overall, 69.2% had a relapsing-remitting course, 20.5% had a primary progressive course and 10.3% had a secondary progressive course. Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 3.04±2.18. The prevalence and annual incidence after one year was 36.5 per 100000 (95% CI: 33.2-38.6) and 2.60 per 100000 (95% CI: 2.1-3.8), respectively.Conclusion: This is the first city-based MS prevalence study performed in Turkey. The MS prevalence in Edirne is similar to that of Greece and Bulgaria but lower than that of European countries.