1.A retrospective study of multiple sclerosis in Thailand
Sasitorn Siritho ; Naraporn Prayoonwiwat ; Teeratorn Pulkes ; Siwaporn Chankrachang ; Somsak Laptikultham ; Samart Nidhinandana ; Suwanna Sethawacharawanit ; Tasanee Tantirittisak ; Arkhom Arayawichanont
Neurology Asia 2010;15(3):253-261
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Thai demyelinating diseases regarding demographic data,
symptoms and signs, associated diseases, disease progression, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and imaging
findings. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study of 107 MS patients attending the Neurological
Centers in Thailand during June and December 2004 was performed. Each had an initial diagnosis of
demyelinating diseases. Results: From 107 patients, there were 78.5% female and 21.5% male with
the female: male ratio of 3.7:1. The age at onset was 32.7±11.5 years. The mean disease duration
was 3.8±5.1 years and the mean number of relapses was 4.6±4.4 with annual relapse rate of 1.5±1.3
times. None reported a family history of MS. Recurrent optico-spinal form was 27.1% followed by
17.8% of spinal form and 15% of western form of MS. The most common presenting symptom was
visual impairment (51.4%). Only 24.1% demonstrated oligoclonal bands in CSF. The median score
of EDSS at their latest visits was 3.0 with mean score of 3.8±3.0.
Conclusions: MS in Thailand is different from Western countries. There were no occurrence of MS in
families, higher incidence of visual impairment at onset, more common recurrent optico-spinal form
and lower incidence of oligoclonal bands in the CSF.