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Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
Published on: April 14, 2014
Childhood optic neuritis clinical features and outcome
Michael Absoud1, Carole Cummins, Nivedita Desai
1Institute of Child Health, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH. michaelabsoud@childdemyelination.org.uk
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|June 18, 2010
Summary
Pediatric optic neuritis often causes severe vision loss but typically resolves well. Early MRI or recurrent optic neuritis may indicate multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuro-immunology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic neuritis in children presents unique diagnostic and prognostic challenges.
- Understanding the long-term outcomes and associated neurological conditions is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric optic neuritis.
- To identify predictors for developing multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of children (<16 years) diagnosed with optic neuritis across three centers.
- Life table analysis was employed to assess cumulative probabilities of developing MS or NMO.
Main Results:
- 44 children were followed for a median of 1 year; 77% experienced severe initial visual deficit, with 70% achieving full recovery.
- The 2-year cumulative probability of developing MS or NMO was 45%.
- Relapsing optic neuritis and abnormal brain MRI (≥1 T2 lesion) were significant predictors for MS/NMO development.
Conclusions:
- Childhood optic neuritis frequently results in significant visual impairment but generally shows good recovery.
- Clinicians should consider MS or NMO in children with optic neuritis, especially if the initial MRI is abnormal or if optic neuritis relapses.
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