Epidemiology of Multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia, a Descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction In 2015, the first nationwide, multi-center MS registry was initiated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an objective to describe current epidemiology, disease patterns, and clinical characteristics of MS in Saudi Arabia. This article aims to report initial findings of the registry and report regional prevalence of MS. Method The registry included all MS patients with confirmed MS diagnosis according to 2010 McDonald Criteria. It aimed to identify and recruit all healthcare institutions treating MS patients in the Kingdom, and collect data such as demographics, clinical characteristics (disease onset, diagnosis, disease course, relapse rate, and disability measures), family history, and treatments. All the included sites have obtained IRB/EC approvals for participating in the registry. Results As of September 2018, the registry has included 20 hospitals from the different regions across the Kingdom and has collected comprehensive data on 2,516 patients from those hospitals, with mean age 33.42 (SD: 9.70) and 66.5% being females. The reported prevalence of MS for those hospitals is estimated to be 7.70/100,000 total population and 11.80/100,000 Saudi nationals. Assuming that the prevalence is the same across all the hospitals in the particular region, we projected the prevalence for total hospitals capable of diagnosing and treating MS and accordingly projected the total prevalence of MS as 40.40/100,000 total population and 61.95/100,000 Saudi nationals. The prevalence was reported 77.5% among people age <40 and below. The female to male ratio was 2:1. The prevalence was higher among female, young and educated individuals across all five regions of Saudi Arabia. Conclusion The prevalence of MS has significantly increased in Saudi Arabia but is still much lower than western and other neighboring countries like Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. However, compared to the past rates, Saudi Arabia’s projected prevalence of MS through this national study is 40.40/100,000population, putting them above the low risk zone as per Kurtzke classification. The projected prevalence is estimated to be much higher among Saudi nationals only (61.95/100,000Saudi-nationals). The prevalence was higher among female, younger, and educated individuals. Further studies are needed to asses the risk factors associated with increased prevalence in Saudi Arabia.