Abstract
Background and Objective: Comparable data are sparse for inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in the Asia-Pacific region, and we aimed to establish a registry of patients with such diseases in the region.
Methods: A network of neurologists in the Asia-Pacific Region was established to register patients with the targeted diseases. A standardized register form and relevant instructions in English, translated into the local language when needed, were prepared before the study start and used for data collection. Results: Eight study centres from different countries/areas participated in the study. In total, 857 patients with a validated diagnosis of different inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the CNS were registered, 591 females and 266 males with a female-to-male ratio 2.2. The mean age at onset for all patients was 35.9 (SD: 12.9) years, significantly younger (p = 0.010) for females (35.1 years, SD: 12.6 years) than for males (37.6 years, SD: 13.4 years).
Conclusion: Patients with different inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the CNS were in the first time registered in a multi-centre study from eight countries/areas in the Asia-Pacific region. A platform and basis has been established for further study in the field.
