Prevalence and clinical peculiarities of Multiple Sclerosis in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system and the most common disabling neurological disease in young adults. The disease natural evolution is almost not affected by the use of the disease modifying drugs. In this regard, the investigation of MS epidemiology in the Republic of Moldova is of raising importance. The purpose of this study is to update the information about the prevalence and demographic characteristics of MS at the country level as well as to determine the onset symptoms, clinical peculiarities and disability ratio. Material and methods: The study included patients with clinical and imagistic defined forms of MS according to the McDonald 2017 criteria. Data collection included records analysis of MS patients diagnosed and treated by the neurologists from all regional hospitals at the country level, archives investigation of republican diagnostic centers as well as the analysis and assessment of the administrative records. Results: As per December 31st, 2019, in the researched area of the country, 1542 MS patients were registered. Thus, a crude estimated prevalence is 34.0 per 100000 inhabitants (95% CI: 32.8 – 37.1). The female to male ratio was 1.9:1, with the mean age 42.0 years. The clinical peculiarities at the onset of the disease for various clinical subtypes were analyzed in relation with clinical spectrum of the first attack, sex distribution and disability ratio. Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Republic of Moldova is 34.0 per 100000 inhabitants. This proved to be lower than in European countries. More studies are needed for knowledge gathering of epidemiological and clinical data concerning MS prevalence in the country. Thus, the creation of the MS Registry of the Republic of Moldova is of mandatory importance.