An update on multiple sclerosis in children: diagnosis, therapies, and prospects for the future

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is increasingly being recognized in children and adolescents. Pediatric MS follows a relapsing-remitting course at onset, with a risk for early cognitive impairment.

Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the clinical features of acute demyelinating syndromes in children and risk factors that increase the likelihood of a diagnosis of MS. We also address the application of diagnostic criteria for MS in children, immunological features, therapeutic options and psychosocial considerations for children and adolescents with MS.

Expert commentary: Collaborative multicenter clinical trials and research efforts are key to the advancement in understanding the pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis across the lifespan.

KEYWORDS:

• Multiple sclerosis
• pediatric neurology
• neuroimmunology
• demyelination
• child neurology

Declaration of interest

Dr. Gordon-Lipkin has no relevant conflicts of interest to declare. B Banwell receives remuneration for work as a central MRI reviewer for Novartis. B Banwell also serves as an unpaid consultant on pediatric trial design for Novartis, Sanofi, Biogen-Idec, and Teva Neuroscience. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This article was not funded.