Abstract

BONILLA, Roger E  and  LEAL, Alejandro. Spatial Distribution of the Charcot-Marie- Tooth Disease in Costa Rica,1990-2003. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.1, pp.10-14. ISSN 1409-1429.

Objective: To evaluate the spatial distribution of Charcot- Marie-Tooth disease as indicator of incidence in Costa Rica between 1990-2003. Methods: A spatial statistical scan was performed for the CMT incidence. We evaluated the statistical significance of high rate clusters. Results: The excess of observed cases of the disease in the area of Naranjo was statistically significant (56 vs. 26.3 p <0.05). Other regions showing significant excess of cases of CMT are: Tibás (33 vs. 13.5), Alajuela Centro (20 vs. 6), Turrialba Centro (16 vs. 4.5), Golfito (18 vs. 5.6) and Puntarenas Centro (9 vs. 1.5). Discussion: Spatial statistical scan is proposed as a tool in the decision making process in order to reduce the incidence of the disease and respond appropriately to those affected by CMT and their families. The method identifies clusters where it is necessary to focus efforts in evaluating the incidence of the disease.

Keywords : Spatial distribution; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; incidence.

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