Acute optic neuritis and the prognosis for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

In a retrospective survey of acute optic neuritis 144 cases in adults were found and, of these, 127 were reviewed, 5 had died of causes related to multiple sclerosis, and 12 were lost to follow up. There was a statistically significant seasonal variation in the incidence of optic neuritis. When the life table method of analysis was used, the probability of developing multiple sclerosis rises to 78% 15 yr after an episode of optic neuritis. At review, 49 (73%) of the 67 patients with multiple sclerosis were independent and leading active lives.