Table 1 General characteristics of 407 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Age at onset of MS, years

<20

59

14.5

20–28

110

27.0

29–38

119

29.2

39–49

87

21.4

≥50

32

7.9

Sex

Male

119

29.2

Female

288

70.8

Incomplete recovery from first relapse

No

346

85.0

Yes

61

15.0

Initial course of MS

Remitting-relapsing

349

85.7

Primary progressive

58

14.3

CSF total protein level, mg/L

0–500

312

76.7

≥500

95

23.3

CSF IgG index

<0.60

219

53.8

≥0.60

188

46.2

CSF oligoclonal bands

No

53

13.0

Yes

354

87.0

Leukocyte count

Normal

151

37.1

Increased (≥5 mm³)

256

62.9

Barkhof’s criteria (initial MRI)

Negative

48

11.8

Positive

359

88.2

Period of MS onset

<01/01/98

60

14.7

≥01/01/98

347

85.3

Time from MS onset to: (years)

Lumbar puncture

407

4.3 ± 3.2

Last follow-up

407

8.9 ± 3.8