THE PREVALENCE OF MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS IN THE HUNGARIAN CITY OF SZEGED

Objectives - The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in a population in South Hungary. Methods - The dia gnosis was established with the aid of the Poser diagnostic criteria a nd the degree of physical disability was determined on the Kurtzke exp anded disability status scale (EDSS), The present medical state (EDSS score) was determined from outpatient clinical control tests. The prev alence, the average age at onset of the disease and the proportions of the various clinical forms were calculated, and the patients' disabil ity status was estimated. Results - In 1996, the prevalence was 65/100 ,000, and the incidence from January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1996 was 7/100,000/year. Discussion - During a period of 2 years, the numb er of diagnosed patients has almost doubled. The disease can be recogn ized in an early stage with a minimal neurological deficit. The develo pment of the diagnostics necessitates re-examinations with modern diag nostic procedures. During the last 3 years, the general practitioner s ystem has been reorganized, and the working relationships between the clinic and family doctors have developed considerably. A comparison of the present findings with those in other countries with a similar cli mate revealed very similar prevalence data.