Mortality rates due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in São Paulo City from 2002 to 2006

Abstract

<jats:p>OBJECTIVE: To describe the mortality rates of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the city of São Paulo as a function of demographics, year, and region. METHOD: This was a retrospective descriptive study. Information was obtained from death certificates registered at the Program for the Improvement of Mortality Information, Municipal Health Department (PRO-AIM/SMS), coded as G12.2 according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), from 2002 to 2006. RESULTS: Over the studied time, were found 326 deaths (51.6% women, overall mean age of 64.1 years). Highest deaths percentages happened in those from 60 to 69 and 70 to 79 years and in white individuals. ALS mortality rates ranged 0.44/100,000 in 2002 and 0.76/100,000 in 2006. No significant changes overtime in administrative districts were found. CONCLUSION: ALS mortality rates in São Paulo were lower in comparison to other countries, however any risk factor in our environment, lifestyle or genetic characteristics were found.</jats:p>

Epidemiological and clinical factors impact on the benefit of riluzole in the survival rates of patients with ALS

“…The survival rate differed between men and women. Matos et al 26 compared the mortality of men and women: 158 men versus 168 women with ALS, which resulted in no significant gender differences. Mandrioli et al 7 mentioned no gender influence on survival rate.…”

“…However, some authors did not find this difference. Matos et al 26 and Werneck et al 27 compared the incidence of ALS among men and women. They analyzed death certificates and hospital charts from two different regions of Brazil and found no gender differences.…”

Kinematic gait analysis of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: presentation of three cases / Análise cinemática da marcha em pacientes com esclerose lateral amiotrófica: apresentação de três casos

“…8 However, it is not always that the subject who has had the disease for a longer duration or is at an older age shows the worst progression or impairments. 13 Oliveira et al, 14 who evaluated the mortality rate of patients with ALS in relation to time, location and gender, did not find significant differences between the percentage of mortality between men and women, and concluded that there was no significant difference between the age associated with time of progression and death. It was clear from our study that subject 1, who has had the disease for two years, was the one who presented fewer sequels, both concerning space and time variables in relation to angular kinematics.…”

“…Considering the spatiotemporal variables, specifically cadence and gait speed, the literature shows that gait speed is directly influenced by the number of steps per minute which the subject can perform (cadence), i.e., the fewer steps per minute, the slower the gait. 14 Following the progression of the disease that causes great weakness with loss of general mobility, it was expected that the subject would perform fewer steps per minute interfering in the speed in which he was able to walk. Some authors point out that the time-distance measurements, such as speed, cadence, step and stride length have been useful for obtaining information about the overall gait performance and these parameters are essential for professionals who work with these subjects.…”

“…* Normal values 14 during ambulation. 16 This neuronal deterioration results in neurological dysfunction, in which the impulses initiated by the brain cannot be transmitted to those neurons responsible for the contraction of lower limb muscle fibers, causing generalized weakness.…”