Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain)

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common central nervous system disease in young adults, and one of the leading causes of disability in this age group. Objectives To establish the prevalence and incidence of MS in Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Material and methods We performed a prospective, case-finding study on >90188 inhabitants, from 1 January 1998 to 15 September 2003, selected as day of prevalence. Sources of information were the University Clinical Hospital of Santiago, the hospitals and private clinics of the city, rehabilitators, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, specialists in internal medicine, primary care physicians, association of patients of MS, social services and non-governmental and religious associations. Informative days were programmed for the susceptible population, and campaigns were carried out in the media. All patients with Poser diagnostic criteria for MS, on the census of Santiago de Compostela as of 15 September 2003, were included in the study. Results On the day of prevalence, 71 patients with MS were registered on the census of Santiago de Compostela, therefore, the prevalence was 79 cases per 100000 inhabitants. The incidence of the disease in the study period was 5.3 cases per 100000 inhabitants and year. Conclusions The prevalence and incidence rates of MS found in Santiago de Compostela are the highest reported, to date, in Spain.