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AKU experts publish new data on multiple sclerosis

Experts at the Aga Khan University Hospital have published what is believed to be the first in-depth study into multiple sclerosis (MS) in Pakistan.

MS varies considerably in Asian countries, but, in general, occurs less than in Caucasians. In their report, the AKU experts describe their analysis of 142 cases of MS from five centers in the cities of Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Wasay and colleagues published their study in Multiple Sclerosis (Multiple sclerosis in Pakistan. Multiple Sclerosis 2007;13(5):668-9).

All 142 patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which was abnormal, and consistent with diagnosis of MS in 137 (95 percent) patients. Spinal MRI was performed in 37 (26 percent) patients, and abnormalities consistent with MS were seen in 22 (15 percent) patients. Of 56 (40 percent) patients given contrast, enhancing lesions occurred in 25 (18 percent) patients. The disease course was relapsing-remitting (RR)

“We describe retrospective data from the largest series of patients with multiple sclerosis from Pakistan. Mean age at onset was 27 years, with a female to male ratio of 1.45:1,” the scientists reported.

“The disease onset was polysymptomatic in 75 percent patients. Motor weakness was the most common onset symptom (70 percent), followed by sensory symptoms (45 percent). Optico-spinal type of MS was seen in only 3 percent of patients The course was relapsing-remitting (RR) in 81 percent, primary progressive (PP) in 21 percent, and secondary progressive (SP) in 4 percent of patients. Almost three-fourths of the patients were moderately (45 percent) or severely (31 percent) disabled at the time of evaluation. Two-thirds of patients with severe disability had a mean disease duration of only 5.2 years,” wrote M. Wasay and colleagues of the AKU. The researchers concluded: “MS is not uncommon in Pakistan, and many patients were found to have severe disability despite short disease duration.” hospital business week

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