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Objective: To give an overview and update on central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases in Hong Kong. Findings: Using retrospective analysis of records from the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Specialist Panel, the prevalence of MS in Hong Kong was estimated to be 6.9 per 100,000, while the annual incidence were 0.86 (SD = 0.135, 95% CI = 0.76 to 0.96) and 0.16 (SD = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.08‐0.23) per 100,000 for adult and pediatric populations, respectively. Preliminary data from the Hong Kong MS Society's NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders) Registry showed that the local prevalence of NMOSD was 3.3 per 100 000, with a seropositivity rate of 80%. MS and NMOSD both had a female preponderance, and MS had younger disease onset age. NMOSD patients had more long‐term disability in terms of EDSS (expanded disability status scale) but MS patients had more cognitive impairment. Radiological features that discriminated MS and NMOSD were similar to other populations, and brain atrophy was observed in both diseases. The number of available treatment options for MS in Hong Kong has greatly increased in the past decade, including injectables, oral disease‐modifying agents, and immune‐reconstitution therapies. For NMOSD, corticosteroids and oral immunosuppressants were the mainstay of treatment. Summary: The updated prevalence of MS and NMOSD in Hong Kong was higher than previously reported, and comparable with other Asian countries. The clinical, laboratory and imaging features of MS and NMOSD in Hong Kong were similar to those in neighboring regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the prescribing patterns of antiepileptic drugs, especially the uptake of newer drugs, among children and adolescents in Hong Kong. Data were retrieved from the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System. Children aged 0-19 years who received at least one prescription of anticonvulsants were selected. The study period extended from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2009. The overall prevalence of anticonvulsants prescribing was 2.23/1000 children in 2005. A slight but steady decline in anticonvulsants prevalence was observed throughout the study period. Valproic acid was the most frequently prescribed drug, followed by carbamazepine and benzodiazepine derivatives. The use of newer anticonvulsants rose significantly, by 26.9%. The use of valproic acid remained unchanged, whereas the use of carbamazepine declined by 20%. Among newer drugs, the use of levetiracetam increased fourfold, and that of oxcarbazepine increased 15-fold. In the youngest age group, phenobarbital was the second most frequently used drug. A significant increase in lamotrigine prescriptions was not observed among adolescents. The persistent increase in using newer antiepileptic drugs implies not only an increase in drug expenditure. It also reflects the need to assess cost-effectiveness in terms of long-term outcomes, quality of life, and health economic outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]