The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Europe

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and potentially highly disabling disorder with considerable social impact and economic consequences. It is the major cause of nontraumatic disability in young adults. The social costs associated with MS are high because of its long duration, the early loss of productivity, the need for assistance in activities of daily living and the use of immunomodulatory treatments and multidisciplinary health care. Available MS epidemiological estimates are aimed at providing a measure of the disease burden in Europe. The total estimated prevalence rate of MS for the past three decades is 83 per 100 000 with higher rates in northern countries and a female:male ratio around 2.0. Prevalence rates are higher for women for all countries considered. The highest prevalence rates have been estimated for the age group 35-64 years for both sexes and for all countries. The estimated European mean annual MS incidence rate is 4.3 cases per 100 000. The mean distribution by disease course and by disability is also reported. Despite the wealth of epidemiological data on MS, comparing epidemiological indices among European countries is a hard task and often leads only to approximate estimates. This represents a major methodological concern when evaluating the MS burden in Europe and when implementing specific cost-ofillness studies.

Dalfampridine effects on cognition, fatigue, and dexterity

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent cause of nontraumatic disabilities in young adults (Pugliatti et al., 2006). Due to the fact that there is still no curative treatment for MS, available pharmaceuticals aim for a reduction in relapse rate and disability progression or a symptomatic treatment of disease symptoms such as spasticity, ataxia, bladder dysfunction, and neuropathic pain (Chan et al., 2012).…”

Long‐term epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in the N orthern S eville D istrict

“…These authors noted that their methods of estimating prevalence were different from all of the previous studies in Spain. Nevertheless, the prevalence reported in the Fernandez study remains below that of northern European countries, which are well known to have amongst the highest prevalence rates in Europe 10. However, accuracy of survey methodology, better surveillance and the availability of registries are potential confounding variables.…”

“…Studies outside Europe suggest that the distribution of MS is related to latitude (lower MS prevalence in the south versus the north) 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and similar findings have been reported in most European populations 9, 10. However, the validity and persistence of this trend have been questioned by other researchers 11, 12, particularly in northern Scandinavia and Italy 9.…”

“…The estimated mean annual incidence of MS in Europe is 4.3 cases per 100,000, with a prevalence over the last 30 years of 83 per 100,000 10. However, there is marked variation in epidemiologic estimates from different countries throughout Europe 10.…”

“…However, there is marked variation in epidemiologic estimates from different countries throughout Europe 10. In Spain, the estimated incidence of MS is 3.8 per 100,000 and prevalence is 36–55 per 100,000 10.…”