Childhood multiple sclerosis: course and management

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis in children and adolescents carries clinical and prognostic differences from the disease in adults. Although new disease-modifying therapeutic agents which became available in recent years have improved the course and prognosis of multiple sclerosis, the indications and use of these drugs in childhood have not been evaluated systematically. In addition, studies of the complex immunopathology of the disease provide many new therapeutic possibilities to be investigated. While early treatment is preferred because immunomodulatory drugs appear more efficient in early disease, the insufficiency of the current knowledge about the safety, dosage and adverse effects of new drugs in children restrict clinicians in their decision. Collection and systematic analysis of data from multiple centers may bring clarity to the course and management of childhood multiple sclerosis.

• childhood
• relapse
• copolymer
• immunosuppressant
• interferon
• methylprednisolone
• multiple sclerosis