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.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease that affects about 2.3 million people worldwide [1]
In Europe, prevalence of MS is rising [3]; geographical variations may be observed [4, 5]. It remains unclear whether this heterogeneity can be Prevalence of MS in Greece attributed exclusively to genetic and environmental factors, since access to healthcare and insurance policies varies across countries and may influence the results of prevalence studies performed on this continent
The 2-year period prevalence was 138.7 per 100,000 males and 253.6 per 100,000 for females
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease that affects about 2.3 million people worldwide [1]. In Europe, prevalence of MS is rising [3]; geographical variations may be observed [4, 5]. It remains unclear whether this heterogeneity can be Prevalence of MS in Greece attributed exclusively to genetic and environmental factors, since access to healthcare and insurance policies varies across countries and may influence the results of prevalence studies performed on this continent. As of 2008, no new epidemiological data for Greek people with MS exist
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