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Inflammatory demyelinating diseases in children: an update

C Fernández Carbonell1, T Chitnis

  • 1Department of Child Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

Minerva Pediatrica
|May 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric inflammatory demyelinating diseases (DD) of the central nervous system (CNS) are increasingly diagnosed. This review updates clinicians on epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, and management of these conditions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Inflammatory demyelinating diseases (DD) of the central nervous system (CNS) are increasingly recognized in children.
  • Pediatric DD offer insights into the earliest events and triggers of acquired CNS DD, with 3-5% of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases diagnosed in childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an update on pediatric inflammatory demyelinating diseases for general pediatricians and child neurologists.
  • To review current evidence on epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.
  • To discuss recent research advances, including novel biomarkers and treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current evidence on pediatric inflammatory demyelinating diseases.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data.
  • Synthesis of recent research findings on biomarkers and treatments.

Main Results:

  • Significant advances have been made in understanding pediatric DD over the past decade.
  • Evidence on epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis for monophasic (ADEM, CIS) and polyphasic/chronic (MS, NMO) DD is reviewed.
  • Novel biomarkers and treatments are emerging from the latest literature.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric inflammatory demyelinating diseases require updated knowledge for effective clinical management.
  • Continued research into biomarkers and treatments is crucial for improving outcomes.
  • Understanding pediatric DD pathogenesis provides valuable insights into acquired CNS DD.

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