Daiana Bezzini1,2, L Policardo3, F Profili3, G Meucci4, M Ulivelli5, S Bartalini5, P Francesconi3, M A Battaglia6,7. 1. Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, (SI), Italy. daiana.bezzini@unisi.it. 2. Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (FISM), Genoa, Italy. daiana.bezzini@unisi.it. 3. Agenzia Regionale di Sanità della Toscana, Florence, Italy. 4. Unit of Neurology, USL6, Livorno, Italy. 5. Department of medicine, surgery and neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. 6. Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, (SI), Italy. 7. Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla (FISM), Genoa, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Italy is a high-risk area for multiple sclerosis with 110,000 prevalent cases estimated at January 2016 and 3400 annual incident cases. To study multiple sclerosis epidemiology, it is preferable to use population-based studies, e.g., with a registry. A valid alternative to obtain data on entire population is from administrative sources. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of multiple sclerosis in Tuscany using a case-finding algorithm based on administrative data. METHODS: In a previous study, we calculated the prevalence in Tuscany using a validated case-finding algorithm based on administrative data. Incident cases were identified as a subset of prevalent cases among those patients not traced in the years before the analysis period, and the date of the first multiple sclerosis-related claim was considered the incidence date of multiple sclerosis diagnosis. We examined the period 2011-2015. RESULTS: We identified 1147 incident cases with annual rates ranged from 5.60 per 100,000 in 2011 to 6.58 in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high incidence rate, similarly to other Italian areas, especially in women, that may explain the increasing prevalence in Tuscany. To confirm this data and to calculate the possible bias caused by our inclusion method, we will validate our algorithm for incident cases.
BACKGROUND: Italy is a high-risk area for multiple sclerosis with 110,000 prevalent cases estimated at January 2016 and 3400 annual incident cases. To study multiple sclerosis epidemiology, it is preferable to use population-based studies, e.g., with a registry. A valid alternative to obtain data on entire population is from administrative sources. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of multiple sclerosis in Tuscany using a case-finding algorithm based on administrative data. METHODS: In a previous study, we calculated the prevalence in Tuscany using a validated case-finding algorithm based on administrative data. Incident cases were identified as a subset of prevalent cases among those patients not traced in the years before the analysis period, and the date of the first multiple sclerosis-related claim was considered the incidence date of multiple sclerosis diagnosis. We examined the period 2011-2015. RESULTS: We identified 1147 incident cases with annual rates ranged from 5.60 per 100,000 in 2011 to 6.58 in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high incidence rate, similarly to other Italian areas, especially in women, that may explain the increasing prevalence in Tuscany. To confirm this data and to calculate the possible bias caused by our inclusion method, we will validate our algorithm for incident cases.
Entities:
Keywords:
Administrative data; Incidence; Italy; Multiple sclerosis; Sex ratio; Tuscany
Authors: Daiana Bezzini; Laura Policardo; Giuseppe Meucci; Monica Ulivelli; Sabina Bartalini; Francesco Profili; Mario Alberto Battaglia; Paolo Francesconi Journal: Neuroepidemiology Date: 2015-12-01 Impact factor: 3.282
Authors: C Solaro; M Ponzio; E Moran; P Tanganelli; R Pizio; G Ribizzi; S Venturi; G L Mancardi; M A Battaglia Journal: Mult Scler Date: 2015-01-12 Impact factor: 6.312
Authors: E Beghi; G Logroscino; A Micheli; A Millul; M Perini; R Riva; F Salmoiraghi; E Vitelli Journal: Amyotroph Lateral Scler Other Motor Neuron Disord Date: 2001-06
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