Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis in Poland: A registry-based retrospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Limited epidemiologic data exists for pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) in Central and Eastern Europe.
• This study addresses the need for data on POMS in Poland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of POMS in Poland.
• To investigate demographic data, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies for POMS.

Main Methods:

• A registry-based retrospective study was conducted in Poland from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019.
• Data from 329 pediatric patients (age ≤ 18 years) meeting International Pediatric MS Study Group criteria were analyzed.
• Prevalence and incidence rates were calculated, alongside demographic, clinical, and treatment data.

Main Results:

• The age-adjusted prevalence of POMS in Poland was 5.19 per 100,000 population, significantly higher in girls (7.41) than boys (3.08).
• The mean annual standardized incidence between 2015-2019 was 0.77 per 100,000 person-years, peaking in 2018.
• Most patients (95.7%) had relapsing-remitting disease, with polysymptomatic onset in one-third; 82.3% received disease-modifying drugs.

Conclusions:

• This study reports an increasing prevalence and incidence of POMS in Poland over recent years.
• The observed temporal trend in POMS incidence and prevalence aligns with findings from studies in other regions.