Regional variation in the incidence rate and sex ratio of multiple sclerosis in Scotland 2010-2017: findings from the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Register.

Background: Fifteen regional studies published over the last six decades surveying prevalence, mortality and hospital admissions have suggested that Scotland is amongst the highest risk nations for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. However, substantial intranational variation in rates (between regions) has been described in numerous countries, including in the only previous Scottish national survey, which used hospital admission data, to address this issue. Against this backdrop, the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Register (SMSR) was established in 2010 to prospectively collect nationally comprehensive incidence data and to allow for regional comparisons.

Latitudinal variation in MS incidence in Scotland.

Aims: To explore the effect of latitude on incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Scotland.

Methods: MS case data (2010-2015) was ascertained from the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Register. Patient's postcode at diagnosis was linked to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).

Web-based physiotherapy for people affected by multiple sclerosis: a single blind, randomized controlled feasibility study.

Objective:: To examine the feasibility of a trial to evaluate web-based physiotherapy compared to a standard home exercise programme in people with multiple sclerosis.

Design:: Multi-centre, randomized controlled, feasibility study.

Setting:: Three multiple sclerosis out-patient centres.

Type I interferon causes thrombotic microangiopathy by a dose-dependent toxic effect on the microvasculature.

Many drugs have been reported to cause thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), yet evidence supporting a direct association is often weak. In particular, TMA has been reported in association with recombinant type I interferon (IFN) therapies, with recent concern regarding the use of IFN in multiple sclerosis patients. However, a causal association has yet to be demonstrated.

Habitual functional electrical stimulation therapy improves gait kinematics and walking performance, but not patient-reported functional outcomes, of people with multiple sclerosis who present with foot-drop.

Background: People with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) often experience a disturbed gait function such as foot-drop. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the medium term effects of using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to treat foot-drop over a period 12 weeks on gait and patient reported outcomes of pwMS.

Methods And Findings: Nine pwMS aged 35 to 64 (2 males, 7 females) were assessed on four occasions; four weeks before baseline, at baseline and after six weeks and twelve weeks of FES use.

Case report: Eastern equine encephalitis virus imported to the UK.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is rare, but the most severe of the mosquito-borne encephalitides in the United States with a high case fatality rate of 30%. Here, we present a patient with EEE. EEE virus causes sporadic human disease in the Eastern parts of the United States, but the case we describe was a Scottish tourist who acquired the disease from mosquito bites while in holiday in the United States.