[Principles and problems in the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis]. / Grundlagen und Problematik der Epidemiologie der Multiplen Sklerose.

The problems of epidemiological studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) concern: the (1.) difficulties of diagnostics, the (2.) development and heterogeneity of the disease (manifestation and forms of course), the (3.) peculiarities of ascertainment of patients, the (4.) respective area of investigation (geographical location and size) and the (5.) population (including genetics and sociologic-economical factors). Further components, influencing incidence, prevalence and mortality, were exposed. As for the area of Rostock the onset of illness amounts to 30.9 ( +/- 8.9) years on an average; an incidence rate of 2.9 and prevalence rate of 60.4 (per 100 000 inhibitants) could be determined. Beside informations about the number of cases treated clinically in the several districts (with downward trend from North to South-East) there were given hypothetical data regarding the incidence and prevalence of MS in the GDR.

Immunodiagnostic of multiple sclerosis by estimation of lymphokines in vitro and in vivo.

The basis of our investigations is a hypothesis about immunomechanisms responsible for aetiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis including immungenetic connection (predisposition) and autoimmunity (pathogenesis). Some new results about cellular immunity using cell electrophoresis mobility technique, especially sensitization against normal brain tissue antigen (NTA) and investigations of lymphokines in cerebrospinal fluid are represented. The intention of this paper is to demonstrate a combined diagnostic regime for early detection of multiple sclerosis as well as for follow-up studies in course of treatment.