Patient selection: mean age approximately 33 years
Outcome: time to reaching an EDSS >= 6 (need for assistance when walking, wheelchair bound, bedridden or death)
An exacerbation was defined as
(1) one of the following:
(1a) appearance of a new CNS symptom
(1b) worsening of pre-existing symptom lasting >= 24 hours
(2) afebrile
(3) neurologic status stable or improving in 30 days prior to onset
Parameters:
(1) course
(2) interval between the first and second attack in years
Favorable prognostic factors:
(1) relapsing-remitting course
(2) interval > 3 years
Unfavorable prognostic factors:
(1) primary progressive course
(2) interval <= 3 years
Clinical findings associated with a relapsing remitting course:
(1) age of onset <= 30 years
(2) optic neuritis
(3) sensory symptoms
Clinical findings associated with a primary progressive course:
(1) age of onset > 30 years
