The Administrative Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Greece on the Basis of a Nationwide Prescription Database

Abstract

Objective: To estimate current prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Greece using administrative data from the nationwide medicine prescription database. Methods: Prescription records of a 24-month period (June 2017–May 2019) were analyzed in order to identify cases of MS. Sex, age, and place of residence were recorded for each identified case. Prevalence of MS was calculated based on the updated records of the Greek population according to Hellenic Statistical Authority. Results: The 2-year cumulative period prevalence of MS was estimated to 197.8 per 100,000 (95% CI 197.6–198.0). In total, 21,218 patients (65.8% female) were identified. During this period, the prevalence of MS was 138.7 per 100,000 (95% CI 138.4–139.0) in men and 253.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 253.3–254.1) in women. Prevalence was higher in the 45–49 age group in both sexes. Analysis of the place of residence revealed higher prevalence in the Attica region and Western Greece while lower prevalence was observed in Northern Greece. No north–south latitude gradient was detected. Point prevalence on 1 January 2019 was calculated to 188.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 188.7–189.1). Regarding treatment, 73.1% of the identified cases received at least once a Disease Modifying Drug. Conclusions: According to this national-level study conducted in Greece, estimated prevalence of MS was found to be similar to those of other European countries. Heterogeneity of MS prevalence across the country was observed and needs further investigation.

A National Representative, Cross-Sectional Study by the Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.) on COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis: Overall Impact and Willingness Toward Vaccination

“…scientific association in cooperation with AUTH and the HFoPwMS. The results presented here contribute to the overall assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in a representative population of PwMS, as indicated by the geographical distribution of MS cases in Greece, recently published by our group (26). The first COVID-19 questionnaire of HEL.A.NI.…”

“…More specifically, the sample size estimation was conducted as recommended in ( 24 , 25 ). The total number of PwMS in Greece was extracted by Bakirtzis et al ( 26 ), approximately equal to 21.218 people (197.8/100.000 population). Based on this method, the sample size necessary for a valid conclusion for the PwMS in Greece was calculated to equal to n = 378 PwMS.…”

Real-World Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Teriflunomide for Two Years: Patient-Reported Outcomes from the AURELIO Study in Greece

“…We report here results of the AURELIO study in Greece, situated on the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and with a population of about 10.5 million people. Greece has an MS prevalence of 197.8 persons per 100,000 population, with just over 73% of patients having received at least one DMT [ 25 ]. According to the guidelines of Hellenic Academy of Neuroimmunology (HELANI), patients without risk factors for poor prognosis and/or without high disease activity (in terms of numbers and severity of relapses and MRI active lesions or increased load) should be treated with first-line DMTs such as interferons, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, or dimethyl fumarate.…”

A Greek Validation Study of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23

“…According to the results of this survey, cognitive deficits and fatigue substantially impact productivity, even in PwMS with low levels of physical disability. In Greece, the prevalence of MS is currently estimated to be 188.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, totaling approximately 21,000 PwMS [ 9 ]. Data about employment rates of PwMS in Greece are however scarce.…”