Figure 2.

Multivariable linear regression analysis of mono- and polysymptomatic relapses (exploratory analysis). Dependent variable (outcome): change in EDSS from first assessment at relapse to EDSS after the last relapse treatment. Independent variables: sex, age at relapse, smoking status (yes versus no), total EDSS at relapse, administered steroid dosage (up to 3 g methyl prednisolone equivalent versus more than 3 g), plasma exchange treatment for current relapse (yes versus no), and disease-modifying treatment at relapse (yes versus no). (a) Monosymptomatic: n = 72 events, adjusted Nagelkerke’s R² 0.26, VIF for all independent variables below 1.8. Significant associations for age at relapse, EDSS at relapse and smoking status (not on graph), all other investigated independent variables did not demonstrate a significant association with EDSS change (Supplemental Table 1). (b) Polysymptomatic: n = 60 events, adjusted Nagelkerke’s R² 0.36, VIF for all independent variables below 1.8. Significant associations for female sex, age at relapse, and EDSS at relapse; all other investigated independent variables did not demonstrate a significant association with EDSS change (Supplemental Table 1).

95% CI, 95% confidence interval; EDSS, expanded disability status scale; VIF, variance inflation factor.