A retrospective follow-up study of ALS: Preliminary results

In these preliminary results, the socio-demographic traits of the two cohorts in study, are presented. The aim was to evaluate the course and prognostic factors in 737 consecutive patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) hospitalised in the Neurological Institute C. Besta of Milan, during 25 years, from 1971 thru 1995. Two cohorts were analysed: 1971-1985, 1986-1995. In 352 cases died during the first period (199 males and 127 females), the most represented age groups were 50-59 and 60-69 years for both males and females, as regard age at onset Spinal symptoms were more frequent than bulbar in both sexes. The mean age at death was 59.0 (sd 10.9) years; the duration of the disease ranged from 5 to 372 months, with an average of 58.7 (sd 67.0). In the second cohort a total of 274 from 385 cases of ALS died during the period of study (141 males and 133 females). The results were similar as those of the first cohort, except for the duration of the disease which ranged from 4 to 276 months, with an average of 43.9 (sd 34.5). The proportion of cases surviving more than 10 years was 12% in the first group, and 2.1% in the second one. Results of survival analysis concerning the prognostic variables (sex. age. place (if birth, age at nnsct. eduaitiiml level and profession), will be presented.