High incidence and increasing prevalence of MS in Enna (Sicily), southern Italy

Grimaldi, Luigi M. E.; Salemi, Giuseppe; Grimaldi, Giuseppe; Rizzo, Alberta; Marziolo, R.; Presti, Coralie Lo; Maimone, Davide; Savettieri, Giovanni

doi:10.1212/wnl.57.10.1891

Cited by 53 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…However, the findings of the present study seem in contrast with those reported in a follow-up study recently conducted in Enna city [4]. There, prevalence and incidence of MS reached values higher than in Monreale city, suggesting that the increase in the disease may be real.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…The prevalence of MS observed in the present survey of 71.2 per 100,000 population is similar to that previously reported in the same municipality [2], and together with those reported in Sardinia [7] and Enna city [4] it is one of the highest observed in the Mediterranean area. These prevalence figures confirm that Sicily is also a highrisk area for MS and further raise doubts about the accuracy of the reported latitude gradient of MS [8].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…A survey on MS prevalence conducted in Enna city more than 20 years ago [3] showed a high prevalence. A subsequent follow-up study recently conducted demonstrated a more than twofold increase in prevalence [4]. However, prevalence rates in follow-up surveys may reflect differences in the population distribution, longer life expectancy, more accurate and earlier diagnoses, more complete ascertainment, or a combination of these factors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Multiple Sclerosis in Southern Europe: Monreale City, Italy

Ragonese¹,

Salemi²,

D’Amelio³

et al. 2004

Neuroepidemiology

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Background: Several follow-up studies showed increasing prevalence and incidence rates for multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To ascertain, throughout a follow-up study, the incidence and prevalence of MS in the city of Monreale, Sicily, southern Italy. Methods: We calculated crude and age- and sex-specific prevalence rates on December 31, 2000, and determined incidence rates for the period January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2000. Results: The prevalence of MS was 71.2 per 100,000 population (48,5/100,000 in men; 93,0/100,000 in women). The incidence rate of MS for the period 1992–2000 was 4.0/100,000 per year. Conclusion: This study showed a nonsignificant increase in MS incidence rates in Monreale city for 1992–2000 compared to 1981–1991. Prevalence rates were similar to those of the previous follow-up study. Intervals between onset of symptoms and diagnosis seemed shorter than in prior studies. There is no evidence that the high prevalence and incidence rates have changed in this interval but numbers are too small for firm statements. These findings indicate that in Monreale city MS prevalence is stable and confirm Sicily as a high-risk area for MS.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Multiple Sclerosis in Southern Europe: Monreale City, Italy

Ragonese¹,

Salemi²,

D’Amelio³

et al. 2004

Neuroepidemiology

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“…The prevalence of MS reaches 151.9/100,000 in rural areas of central Sardinia [4] , and 120.2/100,000 in the central and hilly Sicilian town of Enna [1] . The most recent incidence rates range from 5.7 (Sicily) to 6.4/100,000/year (Sardinia) [1,3] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Epidemiological studies conducted in Sicily and Sardinia, the two major Mediterranean islands, have consistently shown elevated incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and a recent increase in disease frequency [1][2][3] . The prevalence of MS reaches 151.9/100,000 in rural areas of central Sardinia [4] , and 120.2/100,000 in the central and hilly Sicilian town of Enna [1] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Prevalence and Fast Rising Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Caltanissetta, Sicily, Southern Italy

et al. 2006

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Background: Epidemiological studies conducted in Sicily and Sardinia, the two major Mediterranean islands, showed elevated incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS)and a recent increase in disease frequency. Objective: To confirm the central highlands of Sicily as areas of increasing MS prevalence and elevated incidence, we performed a follow-up study based on the town of Caltanissetta (Sicily), southern Italy. Methods: We made a formal diagnostic reappraisal of all living patients found in the previous study performed in 1981. All possible information sources were used to search for patients affected by MS diagnosed according to the Poser criteria. We calculated prevalence ratios, for patients affected by MS who were living and resident in the study area on December 31, 2002. Crude and age- and sex-specific incidence ratios were computed for the period from January 1, 1993, to December 31, 2002. Results: The prevalence of definite MS rose in 20 years from 69.2 (retrospective prevalence rate) to 165.8/100,000 population. We calculated the incidence of definite MS for the period 1970–2000. These rates calculated for 5-year periods increased from 2.3 to 9.2/100,000/year. Conclusion: This survey shows the highest prevalence and incidence figures of MS in the Mediterranean area and confirms central Sicily as a very-high-risk area for MS.

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Multiple Sclerosis

2006

Wiley Handbook of Current and Emerging Drug Therapies

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High incidence and increasing prevalence of MS in Enna (Sicily), southern Italy

Cited by 53 publications

References 8 publications

Multiple Sclerosis in Southern Europe: Monreale City, Italy

Multiple Sclerosis in Southern Europe: Monreale City, Italy

High Prevalence and Fast Rising Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Caltanissetta, Sicily, Southern Italy

Multiple Sclerosis

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