Contributions
Abstract: 55
Type: Oral
Although multiple sclerosis (MS) was first described in Brazil in 1923, it was only in the last decades of the 20th century that Brazilian investigators demonstrated an increasing interest in the study of the disease. From the early individual case reports to hospital-based studies, initial publications focused on demographic and clinical characterization of the disease. As Brazil has a vast territory extending over different latitudes and inhabited by populations with a variety of genetic background, it was promptly observed that the frequency of the disease varied widely. Epidemiological surveys, in distinct geographical areas and well-defined population groups, are therefore warranty. Although many publications have described the demographic and clinical features of MS in series from all regions of the country, studies employing strict epidemiological methodology are scanty. Currently, a prevalence study of MS in key cities of Brazil is being conducted by BCTRIMS (key-cities=most representative cities as population race background, geographical features and study feasibility are concerned). In Southern and southeastern regions of Brazil found prevalence rates are 26x10-5 and 17x10-5 inhabitants. Lower rates are expected in central and northern Brazil, due to both latitude factor and lower European immigration rate. On the other hand, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder has been increasingly recognized as a mimic of MS. According to Brazilian Health Authorities, there are over 35,000 MS patients in the country, and about 14,000 are on immunomodulatory therapy. However, identified MS patients may still represent only a part of the real prevalence of the disease. Few MS Centers in the country offer their patients appropriate multidisciplinary care, as they lack trained personnel and sufficient financial resources. Improvement of medical education, increased disease awareness by the general population, and collaborative work between MS specialists and health authorities may change the present panorama of MS care and research in Brazil.
Disclosure: Marco Lana-Peixoto has received travel grants from Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation, Novartis, Roche and Genzyme.
Abstract: 55
Type: Oral
Although multiple sclerosis (MS) was first described in Brazil in 1923, it was only in the last decades of the 20th century that Brazilian investigators demonstrated an increasing interest in the study of the disease. From the early individual case reports to hospital-based studies, initial publications focused on demographic and clinical characterization of the disease. As Brazil has a vast territory extending over different latitudes and inhabited by populations with a variety of genetic background, it was promptly observed that the frequency of the disease varied widely. Epidemiological surveys, in distinct geographical areas and well-defined population groups, are therefore warranty. Although many publications have described the demographic and clinical features of MS in series from all regions of the country, studies employing strict epidemiological methodology are scanty. Currently, a prevalence study of MS in key cities of Brazil is being conducted by BCTRIMS (key-cities=most representative cities as population race background, geographical features and study feasibility are concerned). In Southern and southeastern regions of Brazil found prevalence rates are 26x10-5 and 17x10-5 inhabitants. Lower rates are expected in central and northern Brazil, due to both latitude factor and lower European immigration rate. On the other hand, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder has been increasingly recognized as a mimic of MS. According to Brazilian Health Authorities, there are over 35,000 MS patients in the country, and about 14,000 are on immunomodulatory therapy. However, identified MS patients may still represent only a part of the real prevalence of the disease. Few MS Centers in the country offer their patients appropriate multidisciplinary care, as they lack trained personnel and sufficient financial resources. Improvement of medical education, increased disease awareness by the general population, and collaborative work between MS specialists and health authorities may change the present panorama of MS care and research in Brazil.
Disclosure: Marco Lana-Peixoto has received travel grants from Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation, Novartis, Roche and Genzyme.