Characteristics of study participants
| Characteristic | No. (%) of participants* | |
|---|---|---|
| Patients n = 120 | Controls n = 60 | |
| Demographic | ||
| Age, yr, mean ± SD | 45.7 ± 11.9 | 45.3 ± 11.2 |
| Sex, female | 89 (74) | 45 (75) |
| Ethnic origin, white | 110 (92) | 56 (93) |
| Clinical factors | ||
| Family history of MS | 18 (15) | NA |
| Duration of MS, yr, median (IQR) | 10.5 (5–18) | NA |
| EDSS, median (IQR) | 2.25 (1.5–3.5) | 0 (0) |
| MS subtype | ||
| Relapsing–remitting | 86 (72) | NA |
| Secondary progressive | 17 (14) | NA |
| Primary progressive | 12 (10) | NA |
| Clinically isolated syndrome | 4 (3) | NA |
| Neuromyelitis optica | 1 (1) | NA |
| Current disease-modifying treatment | ||
| None | 58 (48) | NA |
| Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) | 42 (35) | NA |
| Interferon ß1a (Rebif) | 12 (10) | NA |
| Interferon ß1a (Avonex) | 3 (2) | NA |
| Interferon ß1b (Betaseron) | 3 (2) | NA |
| Fingolimod (Gilenya) | 2 (2) | NA |
Note: EDSS = Expanded Disability Status Scale (where steps 1.0–4.5 refer to patients with MS who are fully ambulatory, steps 5.0–9.5 are defined by impairment in neurologic function with progressive disability corresponding to higher numbers on the scale, and step 10.0 refers to death due to MS)33, IQR = interquartile range, MS = multiple sclerosis, NA = not applicable, SD = standard deviation.
↵* Except where indicated otherwise.