Pediatric multiple sclerosis

Abstract:

Multiple sclerosis in children has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Although it is a continuum of illness beginning before the age of 18 and extending into adulthood, pediatric multiple sclerosis differs from MS in adults in its initial presentation, clinical characteristics, MR features, cerebrospinal fluid findings, diagnostic approach, and of course in therapeutic guidelines. Moreover, there are large differences in the clinical manifestations of the disease among children of different age groups. In over 95% of cases, pediatric MS has a relapsing-remitting course, with a high relapse rate in the pediatric onset of disease, but also with complete or near-complete relapse recovery, so patients rarely develop disability in the first 10 years of the disease. Cognitive impairment occurs early with repercussions on academic and social skills, and it is important to start therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis to delay lasting effects on quality of life.

Key words:
children; demyelination; diagnostic guidelines; disease modifying treatment; multiple sclerosis