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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
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.
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.
Abstract:
About 3-5% of all patients with multiple sclerosis experience the onset of their disease under the age of 16. A significant proportion of paediatric multiple sclerosis patients develop significant cognitive disturbances and persistent physical disability. The high relapse rate and the morbidity in the paediatric multiple sclerosis population has triggered the use of disease-modifying therapies that have been shown to reduce relapse rate, disease progression and cognitive decline in adult patients with multiple sclerosis. Hard evidence for the right treatment and its appropriate timing is scarce in paediatric multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, expertise in this field has grown thanks to recent open-label trials and experience generated in specialized centres. In spring 2009, a first meeting was held in Rotterdam with clinicians from 11 European countries (one from Canada) that are all active in the management of paediatric multiple sclerosis. One of the aims was to generate a common view on the management of paediatric multiple sclerosis patients. The result of this meeting is presented here to help standardize treatment and to support clinicians with less experience in this field.
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