Basic clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis patients and control subjects.

Data are expressed as number or median (25th–75th percentile).N = number of patients; MS = multiple sclerosis; CIS = clinically isolated syndrome; RR-a = relapsing-remitting form during attack; RR-r = relapsing-remitting form during remission; SP = secondary progressive form; PP = primary progressive form; EDSS = Expanded Disability Status Scale; LP = lumbar puncture; IS = immunosuppressive therapy (corticosteroids or azathioprine or both); IM = immunomodulator therapy (interferon-beta or glatiramer acetate); na = not applicable.The IgG index indicating intrathecal production of total IgG was calculated as the CSF/serum ratio of concentration of IgG related to the albumin CSF/serum ratio. Pathological values are above 0.7.