Prevalence and disease disability in immigrants with multiple sclerosis in Malmö, southern Sweden.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and the major non-traumatic cause of permanent disability in young adults. Several migration studies have been performed over the years suggesting a pattern of higher disease disability in certain ethnic groups. To our knowledge, differences in disease progression in immigrants have not been studied in Sweden before.

Incidence and Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Malmö, Southern Sweden.

Objectives: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Malmö municipality in southwestern Sweden.

Materials And Methods: Multiple sources were used in the case identification process. Case ascertainment was assessed by medical chart review including examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analyses, and relevant laboratory tests.