Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 104
(6), 353-357
T. Pekmezovic(1), M. Jarebinski(2),
J. Drulovic(2), N. Stojsavljevic(2) and Z. Levic(2)
1 Institute of Epidemiology, School
of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 2 Institute of Neurology, Clinical
Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade
Objectives
To estimate the distribution of multiple sclerosis in the Belgrade population.
Methods
All persons who were affected and/or
died from multiple sclerosis (Poser's criteria), with residence in the
Belgrade region had been collected from January 1, 1985 to December 31,
1996. Prevalence was adjusted by direct method, using world population.
Results
From 1985 to 1996, 823 patients were
suffering from multiple sclerosis. Sex ratio was 1:1.9. The mean age at
onset was 32.2±9.8 years. A relapsing–remitting course of multiple
sclerosis was reported in 50.7% patients, secondary progressive in 36.4%
patients, and primary progressive in 12.9% patients. On December 31, 1996,
age-adjusted prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Belgrade was 41.5/100,000,
28.2/100,000 for males, and 54.1/100,000 for females. During the period
studied, statistically highly significant increasing trend of multiple
sclerosis prevalence was observed (P=0.0001).
Conclusions
According to findings presented in
this study, Belgrade is an area with high prevalence of multiple sclerosis.
© Munksgaard 2001