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The frequency of multiple sclerosis in Italy: A descriptive study in Ferrara
Author(s) -
Granieri Enrico,
Tola Rosaria,
Paolino Ezio,
Rosati Giulio,
Carreras Mirko,
Monetti V. Cinzia
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.410170117
Subject(s) - incidence (geometry) , multiple sclerosis , population , demography , northern italy , medicine , prevalence , geography , environmental health , immunology , european union , sociology , physics , business , optics , economic policy
Result of intensive prevalence surveys on multiple sclerosis carried out in different small regions of Italy have suggested that this country falls into the high‐frequency zone for the disease. To verify this hypotiesis by studying a large population, we conducted an intensive incidence and prevalence survey in the province of Ferrara, northern Italy (mean population, 386, 000). Based on 128 patients, the mean incidence per year for the period 1965 through 1979 was 2.2 cases per 100, 000. On October 24, 1981, the prevalence rate was 46.1 cases per 100, 000. The results support the view that northern Italy is a high‐risk area for multiple sclerosis.