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Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
26:48

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

Clinical profile of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children

M P Jayakrishnan1, P Krishnakumar

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India.

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences
|May 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in children typically presents after a febrile illness and involves neurological and psychological symptoms. Despite severe initial manifestations, most children achieve full recovery, though long-term follow-up is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
  • ADEM in children presents with a diverse range of neurological and psychological symptoms following an infection or vaccination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the clinical characteristics and diagnostic features of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a pediatric cohort.
  • To evaluate the treatment response and long-term outcomes of children diagnosed with ADEM.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients diagnosed with ADEM based on clinical presentation and MRI findings.
  • Treatment involved intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisolone.
  • Patients were monitored for up to three and a half years post-diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • The study included 14 children (79% female), aged 6 months to 12 years.
  • Neurological symptoms, including altered sensorium, cranial nerve palsies (most commonly facial nerve), and motor deficits, were prevalent.
  • Psychological manifestations such as aggressive behavior and psychotic symptoms were observed; all children achieved full recovery, with one developing multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (MDEM).

Conclusions:

  • ADEM in children, despite significant neuropsychiatric involvement, generally shows a favorable immediate prognosis.
  • Long-term follow-up is crucial for identifying and managing potential cognitive impairments in pediatric ADEM survivors.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitisChildren

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