The management of pediatric multiple sclerosis

J Child Neurol. 2012 Nov;27(11):1384-93. doi: 10.1177/0883073812452785. Epub 2012 Aug 21.

Abstract

Prevention of disability through disease-modifying therapies has been a source of significant attention among clinicians treating children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this article, we will review currently available literature on therapies and the management of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, with specific discussion of therapies for acute exacerbations and disease-modifying therapies that may prevent relapses and slow disease progression, and will include a brief discussion of future directions in symptomatic interventions for cognitive decline, fatigue, and depression in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis. Our article will focus specifically on children and adolescents with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, as 99% of cases of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis are relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Child
  • Disabled Persons
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Pediatrics / methods
  • Plasmapheresis / methods
  • Secondary Prevention

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors