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Published on: September 12, 2016
[Practice-relevant autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system in pediatrics: early diagnosis and adequate
Astrid Blaschek1, Annikki Bertolini2, Geogia Koukou2
1Abteilung Pädiatrische Neurologie, Entwicklungsneurologie und Sozialpädiatrie, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Deutschland.
Insights
Pediatric autoimmune central nervous system diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), are increasingly understood. New research details autoimmune encephalitis and MOG antibody-associated diseases (MOGAD) in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Pediatric autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) diseases are gaining research attention.
- Advances in understanding pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) have improved clinical insights and treatment.
- Novel autoantibodies targeting neural and myelin antigens have been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To compare pediatric MS with adult forms.
- To describe key autoimmune encephalitides (NMDA-R, MOG), MOGAD, and their diagnosis/treatment in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pediatric autoimmune CNS diseases.
- Comparative analysis of pediatric and adult MS.
- Summarization of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for autoimmune encephalitis and MOGAD.
Main Results:
- Enhanced understanding of pediatric MS clinical features and therapies.
- Detailed description of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) encephalitis in children.
- Elucidation of the clinical spectrum of MOG antibody-associated diseases (MOGAD).
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in pediatric neuroimmunology.
- Distinguishing features of pediatric MS from adult MS are highlighted.
- Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for pediatric autoimmune encephalitis and MOGAD are presented.
Background:
Pediatric autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system have recently come into the the focus of attention. Important advances have been made in the field of children with multiple sclerosis (MS), which led to a better understanding of the clinical characteristics and treatment options. Furthermore, new autoantibodies against target antigens of neurons, peripheral nerves and the myelin sheath have been detected.
Objective:
This article summarizes new advances in children with MS and addresses the differences to their adult counterparts. In addition, the most important forms of autoimmune encephalitis, such as N‑methyl D‑aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) encephalitis in children are described together with the diagnostic algorithm and therapeutic approach in the event of a suspected autoimmune encephalitis. Lastly, the clinical spectrum of MOG antibody-associated diseases (MOGAD) is detailed.
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