Disease-modifying therapies in Chinese children with multiple sclerosis

Limited data are available about the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in children with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to present our experience using DMTs in Chinese children with MS and provide additional evidence to consider treating these patients with cyclophosphamide. A retrospective chart review was conducted and data were obtained from 25 children with MS. Only three (12%) of these patients received and responded well to first-line interferon β-1b therapy, while 10 (40%) chose cyclophosphamide and 12 (48%) refused to use DMTs. For the 10 patients being treated with cyclophosphamide, the median annualized relapse rate decreased from 3.0 to 1.0, and the median score on the Expanded Disability Status Scale decreased from 3.5 to 2.0. After 12 months of treatment, no gadolinium-enhancing lesions were reported in seven of the 10 patients. The use of DMTs plays an important role in the treatment of children with MS. If first-line therapies fail, cyclophosphamide may be a good option.