Abstract of Journal Article – May 2012
Tex Med. 2012;108(5):63.
Prevalence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Texas, 1998-2003
By Laurie Wagner, MPH; Natalie P. Archer, MS; Dhelia M. Williamson, PhD; Judith P. Henry, PhD; Randolph Schiffer, MD; and Carlayne E. Jackson, MD
A prevalence study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was conducted in 3 areas in Texas to enable the state health department to better respond to community concerns regarding the occurrence of ALS and to contribute to national prevalence estimates. Patients who were diagnosed with ALS by a neurologist were included in the study if they resided in the study areas and had an office visit between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2003. Point prevalence was calculated by using only those ALS patients known to be alive on December 31, 2003.
A total of 101 persons were identified with ALS in the study areas, and 42 of those were still alive on December 31, 2003. The overall ALS point prevalence was lower than previously published US estimates. Non-Hispanic whites had higher prevalence estimates than Hispanics (2.6 per 100,000 vs 1.0 per 100,000). This study provides ALS prevalence estimates for Texas, including Hispanic populations.
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Last Updated On
November 15, 2017
Originally Published On
April 23, 2012