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Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis in the United Arab Emirates: Characteristics From a Multicenter Study and Global

Fatima Y Ismail1,2, Eliza Gordon-Lipkin1, Katherine Huether3

  • 11 Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Journal of Child Neurology
|April 3, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is more common in Abu Dhabi than internationally, with higher incidence rates observed in Emirati nationals. Clinical presentation varied by age at onset, with visual symptoms more common in younger children.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare neurological disorder.
  • Understanding its epidemiology in diverse regions like the UAE is crucial for healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the clinical characteristics, incidence, and prevalence of pediatric-onset MS in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
  • To compare these findings with international data.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 82 pediatric-onset MS patients in Abu Dhabi from 2010-2014.
  • Analysis of demographic data, age of onset, clinical presentation, and treatment.
  • Calculation of age- and sex-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates for Emirati nationals.

Main Results:

  • Eighty-two patients (65% female) were identified, with a mean age of onset of 15.9 years.
  • Patients under 12 presented with visual symptoms; older patients had mixed visual, motor, and sensory symptoms.
  • Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence in Abu Dhabi Emirati nationals was 26/100,000 males and 36/100,000 females.
  • Incidence rates in Emirati nationals (ages 10-19) ranged from 2.3 to 7.2/100,000.
  • Interferon beta-1a was the most common therapy (48%).

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of pediatric-onset MS in Abu Dhabi is higher than in international cohorts.
  • Clinical presentation differs based on age at onset.
  • Prevalence and incidence data provide valuable insights for regional healthcare strategies.

Keywords:
childrenepidemiologymultiple sclerosispediatricstreatment

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