Multiple sclerosis epidemiological situation update: pertinence and set-up of a population based registry
S. Otero, J. Batlle, I. Bonaventura, Ll. Brieva, E. Bufill, A. Cano, O. Carmona, A. Escartín, M. Marco, E. Moral, E. Munteis, C. Nos, I. Pericot, H. Perkal, Ll. Ramió-Torrentà, C. Ramo-Tello, A. Saiz, J. Sastre-Garriga, M. Tintoré, J. Vaqué, X. Montalban, en representación del Grupo de Trabajo del Registro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Cataluña
Introduction. The first epidemiological studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) around the world pictured a north to south
latitudinal gradient that led to the first genetic and environmental pathogenic hypothesis. MS incidence seems to be
increasing during the past 20 years based on recent data from prospective studies performed in Europe, America and
Asia. This phenomenon could be explained by a better case ascertainment as well as a change in causal factors. The few
prospective studies in our area together with the increase in the disease in other regions, justifies an epidemiological MS
project in order to describe the incidence and temporal trends of MS.
Development. A prospective multicenter MS registry has been established according to the actual requirements of an
epidemiological surveillance system. Case definition is based on the fulfillment of the McDonald diagnostic criteria. The
registry setting is the geographical area of Cataluña (northeastern Spain), using a wide network of hospitals specialized in
MS management.
Conclusion. Recent epidemiological studies have described an increase in MS incidence. In order to contrast this finding in
our area, we consider appropriate to set up a population based registry.
Rev Neurol 2010; 50 (10): 623-633
Rev Neurol 2010; 50 (10): 623-633
