J Korean Med Sci.  2020 Apr;35(17):e115. 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e115.

Prevalence and Incidence of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorderin Korea: Population Based Study

• Lee HL
• Kim JY
• Seok JM
• Hong YH
• Lim NG
• Shin HY
• Kim BJ
• Hwang SY
• Min JH
• Kim BJ

• KMID: 2500208
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e115

Abstract

Background
Although neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is known to be a rare disease, its prevalence and incidence have not yet been studied in Korea. We performed a population-based study to examine the prevalence and incidence of NMOSD in Korea using data from the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database.
Methods
Data from 2013 to 2017 were obtained, with a washout period set as 2013 and 2014. The prevalence and incidence of NMOSD in 2016 and 2017 were calculated using population census data. Subjects were divided into 5 groups at 15-year intervals, depending on the age at which the diagnostic code was entered. The relative risk (RR) for each age group was compared with the oldest (≥ 60 years) age group.
Results
The overall prevalence was estimated to be 3.36 and 3.56 per 100,000 individuals, with an incidence of 0.41 and 0.65 per 100,000 individuals-year in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The mean age was 43.08 (standard deviation, 14.56) years, and the ratio of male to females was 1:4.7. The incidence was higher in female individuals aged between 30 and 59 years (RR, 2.8–3.05; P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Nationwide prevalence of NMOSD in Korea was 3.36 and 3.56/100,000 and its incidence was 0.41 and 0.65/100,000-year in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Keyword

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder; NMOSD; Prevalence; Incidence

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Age-specific prevalence in Korea in 2017. The prevalence in individuals aged between 30 and 59 years was higher than the overall prevalence.

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  Fig. 2 Age-specific incidence in Korea in 2017. The incidence of NMOSD was higher in females aged between 30 and 59 years compared with females in the older age group (≥ 60 years). However, such differences were not found among males.NMOSD = neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

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