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Spatial analysis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Northern New England, USA, 1997–2009
Author(s) -
Caller Tracie A.,
Chipman Jonathan W.,
Field Nicholas C.,
Stommel Elijah W.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.23761
Subject(s) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , incidence (geometry) , new england , medicine , census , geography , demography , cartography , disease , environmental health , pathology , population , physics , sociology , politics , political science , law , optics
An environmental trigger of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is supported by geographic disparities in ALS incidence and development of the disease in conjugal couples. This study aims to investigate the incidence of ALS in the Northern New England states of New Hampshire (NH), Vermont (VT), and Maine (ME). Methods We reviewed medical records and community databases to identify dwelling addresses of 688 patients diagnosed with ALS in 1997–2009 in NH, VT, and ME. We used spatial analysis to identify clusters of census block groups with statistically significant high incidence. Results We identified 11 clusters of statistically significant high incidence, each containing 6 or more cases of ALS. These 11 clusters are grouped in 4 distinct regions. Conclusions There appear to be areas of significant spatial clustering within Northern New England. Further analysis will be needed to confirm whether there is any correlation between these areas and potential environmental risk factors. Muscle Nerve , 48: 235–241, 2013