Disease characteristics for the prevalent population for both Co. Wexford and Co. Donegal
| Disease characteristic | Co. Wexford | Co. Donegal |
|---|---|---|
| *Calculated using the task force database control.15 | ||
| EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale; MSFC, Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite. | ||
| Average age, years (range) | 47.2 (19–73) | 48.9 (24–78) |
| Mean age at onset, years (range) | 33.4 (14–57) | 32.8 (14–56) |
| Average duration of MS, years | 13.4 | 16.1 |
| Female : male ratio | 1.7:1 | 3.4:1 |
| Mean annualized incidence rate/ 100 000/year (95% CI) | 4.47 (0.27 to 8.67) | 5.12 (1.6 to 11.7) |
| Clinical course (%) | ||
| Primary progressive | 12.5 | 10.7 |
| Relapsing/remitting | 48.9 | 51.1 |
| Secondary progressive | 38.6 | 38.2 |
| Mean Kurtzke EDSS score (range) | 4.36 (0–9.5) | 4.78 (0–0.5) |
| Mean MSFC – Z score* (range) | −1.28 (−6.55–0.77) | −1.28 (−6.55–0.77) |