[Multiple sclerosis: its prevalence and incidence in the population of western Poland]. / Stwardnienie rozsiane--rozpowszechnienie i zapadalnosc wsród ludnosci miejscowej w zachodniej Polsce.

In five provinces of Western Poland the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis was analyzed in patients living at the place of birth and in patients who had changed their place of residence in these provinces. The results showed that the occurrence of multiple sclerosis in geographic foci is more evident if all patients living in a given area are considered, both those born there and those who had come from other localities.

Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in western Poland--a comparison between prevalence rates in 1965 and 1981.

An epidemiological survey of multiple sclerosis was carried out in the western part of Poland. The estimated prevalence rate on December 31, 1981 was compared with that established on the same territory on January 1, 1965. The disease was less frequent in 1981. The prevalence rate for definite cases was only 42.87 versus 51.19. A marked increase of population in the younger age groups (those under 20) during the last decade may account for the observed differences in the prevalence rate. In the town of Gniezno, a new MS cluster with a prevalence rate of 118.10 per 100,000 population was discovered.

The clustering of multiple sclerosis in various administrative subunits of western Poland.

A survey of multiple sclerosis was made in the western part of Poland, with special attention being paid to the distribution of the disease in various administrative subunits. The prevalence of MS for the 35 counties (mean 45.08 per 100,000 for definite and possible cases taken together) revealed significant differences between particular regions, with clusters of high prevalence rates occurring in two towns (Leszno, 130,97; Gniezno, 122.83). Local uneven distribution of multiple sclerosis was also found within 198 communes covering the territory of the 35 counties. There were four clusters in eight neighbouring towns and communes with a high prevalence ranging from 74.37 to 141.54, and several with a very low prevalence.