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Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis in Children
Mohammad Mehdi Nasehi1,2, Mohammad Ali Sahraian3, Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi3
1Pediatric Neurology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) in children often presents with sensory, motor, or visual symptoms, with onset typically in the second decade of life. This study highlights key epidemiological and clinical patterns in Iranian pediatric MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) onset in individuals under 18 years old is uncommon (2%-5%), often leading to delayed diagnosis due to atypical presentations compared to adults.
- Understanding the specific epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric MS is crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological and clinical patterns of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iranian children.
- To provide insights into the early signs and diagnostic markers of pediatric MS in the region.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran between 2014-2015.
- Data were collected using a validated checklist from 177 pediatric MS patients.
- Statistical analysis included frequency, mean, and standard deviation using SPSS version 20.
Main Results:
- The study included 177 pediatric patients, with 75.7% being female.
- The mean age of onset was 15.9 years (range 7-18 years), with a higher prevalence in females.
- Common presenting symptoms included visual (32.8%), motor (29.4%), and sensory (28.2%) deficits. MRI revealed periventricular (91.5%) and spinal cord lesions (53.1%).
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis is more prevalent in adolescent females.
- The second decade of life is the most common period for MS onset in children.
- Visual, sensory, and motor symptoms are primary indicators, with periventricular and spinal cord lesions being frequent MRI findings in pediatric MS.
Objective:
Overall, 2%-5% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experienced the first episode of disease before the age 18 years old. Since the age of onset among children is not similar to that in general population, clinicians often fail to early diagnose the disease. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological and clinical patterns of MS among Iranian children.
Materials & Methods:
In this cross-sectional study carried out in Iran in 2014-2015, information was collected using a checklist with approved reliability and validity. Method sampling was consensus. Data were analyzed using frequency, mean and standard deviation indices by means of SPSS ver. 20 software.
Results:
Totally, 177 MS children were investigated. 75.7% of them were female. Mean (SD), minimum and maximum age of subjects were 15.9 (2), 7 and 18 yr, respectively. The most reported symptoms were sensory (28.2%), motor (29.4%), diplopia (20.3%) and visual (32.8%). Primary MRI results showed 91.5% and 53.1% periventricular and spinal cord lesions, respectively.
Conclusion:
MS is significantly more common among women. The most common age of onset is during the second decades. Sensory and motor problems are the most symptoms, while, periventricular and spinal cord lesions are the most MRI results.
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