The management of multiple sclerosis in children: a European view

Angelo Ghezzi1, Brenda Banwell, Alexey Boyko

  • 1Centro Studi SM, H S. Antonio Abate, Gallarate, VA, Italy.

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|August 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) affects young patients, often causing cognitive and physical disability. This consensus aims to standardize treatment for pediatric MS, improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) onset before age 16 affects 3-5% of patients.
  • Pediatric MS is associated with significant cognitive and physical disability.
  • High relapse rates and morbidity necessitate effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a common view on managing pediatric multiple sclerosis.
  • To standardize treatment protocols for pediatric MS patients.
  • To support clinicians with limited experience in pediatric MS management.

Main Methods:

  • Consensus meeting of European clinicians specializing in pediatric MS.
  • Discussion and synthesis of current expertise and open-label trial data.
  • Development of standardized treatment recommendations.

Main Results:

  • A consensus on pediatric MS management was generated.
  • Recommendations aim to standardize care across different centers.
  • Guidelines are provided to support less experienced clinicians.

Conclusions:

  • Standardized treatment approaches are crucial for pediatric MS.
  • Evidence-based guidelines can improve outcomes for young MS patients.
  • Further research is needed to solidify treatment strategies.

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...