Small-area distribution of multiple sclerosis incidence in western France: in search of environmental triggers.

Background: Despite intensive research over several decades, the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains poorly understood, although environmental factors are supposedly implicated. Our goal was to identify spatial clusters of MS incident cases at the small-area level to provide clues to local environmental risk factors that might cause or trigger the disease.

Methods: A population-based and multi-stage study was performed in the French Brittany region to accurately ascertain the clinical onset of disease during the 2000-2004 period.

Ten-year prognosis in multiple sclerosis: a better outcome in relapsing-remitting patients but not in primary progressive patients.

Background And Purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) prognosis remains a challenge for both patients and physicians. Complementary to natural history studies, updated population-based data from the first event suggestive of MS, at the time of the first approved disease modifying drug (DMD), are needed. Our objective was to provide a 10-year history of MS from clinical onset at time of first approved DMDs in a population-based cohort.

Register-based incidence of multiple sclerosis in Brittany (north-western France), 2000-2001.

Objectives: To report on multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence in Brittany, north-western France.

Materials & Methods: From 2000, we set up a population-based register for patients presenting a putative incident MS (PIMS), that is first symptoms compatible with MS onset. We used 3 medical sources of case ascertainment (neurologists, CSF, regional MS-Clinic).

'Clinically definite benign multiple sclerosis', an unwarranted conceptual hodgepodge: evidence from a 30-year observational study.

Background: Benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is a controversial concept which is still debated. However identification of this kind of patients is crucial to prevent them from unnecessary exposure to aggressive and/or long term medical treatments.

Objectives: To assess two definitions of 'clinically definite benign multiple sclerosis' (CDBMS) using long-term follow-up data, and to look for prognostic factors of CDBMS.