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First published on June 23, 2008, doi:10.1177/1352458508090663

Multiple Sclerosis 2008;14:880.

A more recent version of this article appeared on August 1, 2008

Article

Factors in the rising prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the north-east of Ireland

O M Gray1, G V McDonnell1, and S A Hawkins2

1 Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
2 Reader of Clinical Neurology, Division of Medicine and Therapeutics, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.


  Abstract

Background

Northern Ireland is recognized as an area of high risk for multiple sclerosis. The original study of Allison and Millar in 1951 found a prevalence of 51/100,000 and mean annual incidence of 2.74/100,000/year. Subsequent studies in 1961, 1986, and 1996 suggested prevalence rising – 80, 138, and 168.2/100,000, respectively.

Methods

In 2004, we surveyed the North-East of Northern Ireland (population 160,446, area 2030 km2) using multiple sources of case ascertainment, all satisfying the Poser criteria for definite or probable multiple sclerosis (MS) or the McDonald criteria.

Results

From a provisional list of 469 cases, 370 (123 males, 247 females) were identified. The prevalence was 230.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 207.0–255.4) with significantly higher prevalence in females (300.8/100,000) than males (157.0/100,000). Direct standardization to the 1961 Northern Ireland population reduced the overall prevalence rate to 200.5/100,000 (95% CI 193.2–208.0), in females to 270.2/100,000 (95% CI 258.8–282.4) and in males to 131.1/100,000 (95% CI 122.8–139.9). In 1996, incidence had risen to 9.3/100,000/year (14 cases in population of 151,000) with a higher incidence in females (10.3/100,000/year) than males (8.3/100,000/year).

Conclusions

Northern Ireland continues to have a rising prevalence of MS. The increase in incidence suggests a true increase in the disease.

Key Words: epidemiology, incidence, multiple sclerosis, prevalence


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