Prevalence and Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND Tehran is the capital of Iran with an increasing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) incidence. A retrospective population-based study was conducted to evaluate the status of MS prevalence and MS incidence trends in Tehran Province, Iran. METHODS A population-based study was conducted from 1991 to 2014 in Tehran Province, the capital city of Iran based on Iranian MS Society (IMSS) registry system. A structured questionnaire design to cover the important epidemiological variables, related at the individual level for MS. A Monte Carlo Permutation method was utilized to test whether the apparent change in MS trends during 1991-2014 was statistically significant. RESULTS MS incidence was significantly increased during our study period. The annual percent change (APC) was 12.8% in women during 1991 to 2004 and 12.5% in men during the same period. The point prevalence of MS was 101.39 per 100000 populations in 2014. The age-adjusted prevalence rates were 134.03 and for male patients were 42.45 per 100000. CONCLUSION MS prevalence and incidence in Tehran are markedly rising, it is crucial to elucidate the causes of the increasing trends and implement efficient policies lowering disease burden.