Multiple sclerosis prevalence in 2000 and 2010 in Western Finland

Objective To study ten-year change in MS prevalence in the Province of Western Finland in Tampere University Hospital District located in 62.7 degrees N, 23.7 degrees E. Methods Age-standardized prevalence/10(5) by using direct standardization in European Standard Population (ESP2013) and crude prevalence/10(5) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were assessed among resident MS cases fulfilling Poser criteria by sex and disease course in 31.12.2000 and 31.12.2010. MS-related disability and disease-modifying treatment (DMT) use were estimated in 31.12.2010. Results Crude prevalence increased 49% from 129/10(5) (95% CI 121-137) in 2000 (N 1080) to 196/10(5) (187-203) in 2010 (N 1666). Age-standardized prevalence increased 45% from 133/10(5) (127-140) to 192/10(5) (184-200) and peaked in 40- to 49-year age-group. Age-standardized prevalence increased 58% among women from 176/10(5) (171-176) to 277/10(5) (270-284) and 31% among men from 91/10(5) (87-95) to 119/10(5) (115-124). Increase in RRMS was 61% from 111/10(5) (105-117) to 179/10(5) (171-186), and decrease in PPMS was 14% from 21/10(5) (19-24) to 18/10(5) (15-21). In 2010 among the 52% RRMS cases on DMT, MS-related disability was mild in 50%. In total, cohort disability was mild in 46%, moderate to severe in 47%, and information was not available in 14%. Conclusion A significant increase in prevalence was observed in Western Finland. Increase was higher among women and in relapsing-remitting onset MS. Disability showed age- and disease course-specific variation.