Argentine Patagonia: prevalence and clinical features of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

There are few studies reporting multiple sclerosis prevalence rates in the Buenos Aires region, Argentina (latitude 34 degrees S) (between 12-18.5/100 000 inhabitants), and no studies have been performed in the larger region between parallels 36 degrees and 55 degrees S. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rates and clinical features of multiple sclerosis in residents of the Argentine Patagonia. Four cities from the region were selected for this study, giving a sample population of 417 666 inhabitants (approximately 24% of the total Patagonia population). 1(st) March 2002 was determined as prevalence day. Patients were ascertained using multiple case-finding methods. The point prevalence rate was 17.2/100 000 (17.2 age-adjusted to the world population). Prevalence rates were higher for women than for men, 22.1 versus 12.2/100 000 inhabitants (21.4 versus 12.7 sex-adjusted to the world population). The study population was mainly of European descent and mestizoes. Clinical features were similar to those reported in other countries. This study shows that Argentine Patagonia is a medium-risk area with no south-north gradient between parallels 55 degrees and 36 degrees S. The Patagonia population shows recent internal migration that makes it difficult to determine whether the exposure to potential risk factors has been long enough to modify the disease incidence.

Incidence and Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in the Americas: A Systematic Review

“…Interestingly, a previous review of the prevalence of MS in Canada, which included several of the studies reported in the current review, found no striking evidence of a latitudinal or longitudinal gradient [4]. Similarly, Melcon et al [17] found no south-north gradient in prevalence within the Argentine Patagonia. Prevalence was much lower in South America compared to North America, despite the studied regions being similar distances from the equator.…”

ENCOMS: Argentinian survey in cost of illness and unmet needs in multiple sclerosis

“…Nonetheless, current knowledge of MS epidemiology and economic burden comes from North American and European studies 9,10,12,13 . In Argentina, reported prevalence rates of MS range between 16 to 21 cases per 100,000 inhabitants 9,14,15 . Despite this information, the economic burden associated with the disease in Argentina as well as in the region of Latin America, is unknown.…”

Esclerosis múltiple recurrente remitente en el sector público de salud de Chile: Descripción clínica de 314 pacientes

“…Estos datos, en general, concuerdan con los nuestros con dos salvedades: primero, nuestros pacientes son sólo EM-RR, condición necesaria para ingresar al programa de tratamiento; segundo, al comparar la sintomatología de debut de nuestros pacientes con países de latitud similar como Argentina y Brasil, tenemos algunas diferencias puesto que en ellos es más frecuente el inicio con NO, en tanto que nuestros pacientes presentaron manifestaciones sensitivas como manifestación inicial [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] . La Tabla 2 compara algunas características clínicas de nuestros pacientes en relación con otras series de latinoamericanas y latinos de Estados Unidos de Norteamérica.…”