Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Serbian district Sumadija.

Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the district of Sumadija (central part of Serbia).

Methods: All persons suffering from MS, with permanent residence in the region, were recruited. Prevalence was calculated on December 31, 2006, according to a standard procedure.

Results: On December 31, 2006, one hundred ninety-four patients (72 males and 122 females) were found to have MS. We found a crude MS prevalence of 64.9/100,000 (49.3/100,000 for males and 79.9/ 100,000 for females). The highest prevalence rates were registered in the age group of 30-39 years for females and 40-49 years for males, although the age-specific rates were higher in females in all age groups. The mean age at onset was 34.2 ± 9.3 years. The average duration of MS was 8.9 ± 6.2 years. The median EDSS score was 3.9 ± 2.0. The course of MS was relapsing-remitting in 63.9% of patients, secondary progressive in 32.5%, and primary progressive in 3.6%. At MS onset, motor symptoms were present in 70.1% of patients, sensory in 40.7%, cerebellar in 21.1%, brainstem in 15.5%, visual in 22.2%, and bowel/bladder disturbances in 22.2%.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the MS prevalence registered in the Serbian district Sumadija is similar to that of other surrounding areas in Southeastern Europe.