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01-02-2020 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Article

Increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Tuscany, Italy

Authors: Daiana Bezzini, Monica Ulivelli, Elisa Gualdani, Matilde Razzanelli, Fabio Ferretti, Giuseppe Meucci, Paolo Francesconi, Mario A. Battaglia

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 2/2020

Abstract

Background and rationale

An increase of prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported in several countries, especially taking into account a long-term evaluation. This increasing trend often reflects improved case identification and ascertainment due to the refinement of diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to update the prevalence rate of MS in Tuscany (central Italy) as of 2017, and to assess if there has been an increasing trend of prevalence in this Region considering a short period of analysis, from 2014 to 2017.

Methods

To capture prevalent cases, a case-finding algorithm based on administrative data, previously created and validated, was used. As data sources, we considered hospital discharge records, drug-dispensing records, disease-specific exemptions from copayment to health care, home and residential long-term care, and inhabitant registry.

Results

As of January 1, 2017, 7809 cases were identified, of which 69.4% were females and 30.6% were males. Considering temporal variation, an increasing trend was observed, with standardized rates rising from 189.2 in 2014 to 208.7 per 100,000 in 2017.

Conclusions

Results confirm that prevalence increases every year, probably mainly due to the difference between incidence and mortality, resulting in an increasing trend. Moreover, administrative data may accurately identify MS patients in a routinary way and monitor this cohort along disease care pathways.

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Title: Increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Daiana Bezzini
Monica Ulivelli
Elisa Gualdani
Matilde Razzanelli
Fabio Ferretti
Giuseppe Meucci
Paolo Francesconi
Mario A. Battaglia
Publication date: 01-02-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Multiple Sclerosis
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-019-04090-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Tuscany, Italy

Abstract

Background and rationale

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and rationale

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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