The natural course of clinically isolated syndrome in pediatric patients

Optic neuritis in Turkish children and adolescents: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Various etiologies may underlie optic neuritis, including autoantibody-mediated disorders described in the last decade. We re-examined demographic, clinical, laboratory features and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with autoimmune optic neuritis according to current knowledge.

METHODS

Cases of pediatric ON from 27 centers in Türkiye diagnosed between 2009 and 2022 were included for retrospective evaluation.

RESULTS

The study included 279 patients, 174 females and 105 males, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.65. The average age at onset was 12.8 ± 3.4 years, and mean follow-up, 2.1 years (range: 1-12.1 years). Patients <10 years old were grouped as "prepubertal" and those ≥10 years old as "others". The diagnoses made at the end of follow-up were multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis (n = 90, 32.3 %), single isolated optic neuritis (n = 86, 31 %), clinically isolated syndrome (n = 41, 14.7 %), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis (n = 22, 7.9 %), and relapsing isolated optic neuritis (n = 18, 6.5 %). Predominant diagnoses were myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated optic neuritis in the prepubertal group and multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis in the older group. Recurrences were observed in 67 (24 %) patients, including 28 with multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis, 18 with relapsing isolated optic neuritis, 11 with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis, 8 with aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis, and 2 with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy. Recurrences were more common among female patients. Findings supporting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis included age of onset ≥ 10 years (OR=1.24, p = 0.027), the presence of cranial MRI lesions (OR=26.92, p<0.001), and oligoclonal bands (OR=9.7, p = 0.001). Treatment in the acute phase consisted of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (n = 46, 16.5 %), pulse methylprednisolone with an oral taper (n = 212, 76 %), and combinations of pulse methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, or intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 21, 7.5 %). Outcome at 12 months was satisfactory, with 247 out of 279 patients (88.5 %) demonstrating complete recovery. Thirty-two patients exhibited incomplete recovery and further combination treatments were applied. Specifically, patients with relapsing isolated optic neuritis and aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis displayed a less favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest optic neuritis is frequently bilateral in prepubertal and unilateral in peri‑ or postpubertal patients. Age of onset 10 or older, presence of oligoclonal bands, and brain MRI findings reliably predict the development of multiple sclerosis. The risk of developing multiple sclerosis increases mostly during the second and third years of follow-up. Relapsing isolated optic neuritis remains a separate group where the pathogenesis and outcome remain unclear. Investigation of predisposing and diagnostic biomarkers and long follow-up could help to define this group.

Management of pediatric post-infectious neurological syndromes

BACKGROUND

Post-Infectious Neurological Syndromes (PINS) are heterogeneous neurological disorders with post or para-infectious onset. PINS diagnosis is complex, mainly related to the absence of any recognized guidelines and a univocal definition.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elaborate a diagnostic guide for PINS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed patients younger than 14 years old admitted to Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome for PINS from December 2005 to March 2018. Scientific literature using PubMed as research platform was analysed: the key words "Post-Infectious Neurological Syndromes" were used.

RESULTS

A polysymptomatic presentation occurred in a percentage of 88% of the children. Motor signs and visual disturbances the most observed symptoms/signs were the most detached, followed by fever, speech disturbances, sleepiness, headache and bradipsychism. Blood investigations are compatible with inflammation, as a prodromal illnesses was documented in most cases. Normal cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) characteristics has been found in the majority of the study population. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was positive for demyelinating lesions. Antibiotics, acyclovir and steroids have been given as treatment.

DISCUSSION

We suggest diagnostic criteria for diagnosis of PINS, considering the following parameters: neurological symptoms, timing of disease onset, blood and CSF laboratory tests, MRI imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose criteria to guide clinician to diagnose PINS as definitive, probable or possible. Further studies are required to validate diagnostic criteria.

Pediatric multiple sclerosis: from clinical basis to imaging spectrum and differential diagnosis

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) deserves special attention because of its impact on cognitive function and development. Although knowledge regarding pediatric MS has rapidly increased, understanding the peculiarities of this population remains crucial for disease management. There is limited expertise about the efficacy and safety of current disease-modifying agents. Although pathophysiology is not entirely understood, some risk factors and immunological features have been described and are discussed herein. While the revised International Pediatric MS Study Group diagnostic criteria have improved the accuracy of diagnosis, the recently revised McDonald criteria also offer some new insights into the pediatric population. It is fundamental that radiologists have strong knowledge about the vast spectrum of demyelinating disorders that can occur in childhood to ensure appropriate diagnosis and provide early treatment.

Consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis: 2019 revisions to the MENACTRIMS guidelines

With evolving diagnostic criteria and the advent of new oral and parenteral therapies for MS, most current diagnostic and treatment algorithms need revision and updating. The diagnosis of MS relies on incorporating clinical and paraclinical findings to prove dissemination in space and in time, and exclude alternative diseases that can explain the findings at hand. The differential diagnostic workup should be guided by clinical and laboratory red flags to avoid unnecessary tests. Appropriate selection of multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies is critical to maximize patient benefit. The current guidelines review the scientific evidence supporting treatment of acute relapses, radiologically isolated syndrome, clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting MS, and progressive MS. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide practical recommendations and algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of MS based on current scientific evidence and clinical experience.

Brain Lesion Load and Anatomic Distribution in Patients With Juvenile Clinically Isolated Syndrome Predicts Rapidly Advanced to Multiple Sclerosis

The aim was to assess brain lesion load and anatomical distribution in patients with juvenile clinically isolated syndrome and define magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables associated with rapidly advancing to multiple sclerosis. Patients were followed for one year after disease onset. Patients who experienced a second relapse were defined as those who rapidly advanced to multiple sclerosis. In all, 46 juvenile patients with a clinical presentation suggestive of multiple sclerosis were evaluated; 21 with gadolinium-enhancing lesions on initial brain MRI were excluded as they had already fulfilled the diagnosis criteria for multiple sclerosis. A total of 25 patients, 10 males and 15 females (mean ± SE age at onset 15.6 ± 0.6 years), met the definition of clinically isolated syndrome. The presence of a corpus callosum lesion at onset significantly differentiated between sustained clinically isolated syndrome and patients who rapidly advanced to multiple sclerosis.

Pediatric multiple sclerosis: a review

BACKGROUND

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) prevalence and incidence rates are increasing globally. No disease-modifying therapy are approved for MS pediatric population. Hence, we aim to review the literature on POMS to guide treating physicians on the current understanding of diagnosis and management of pediatric MS.

METHODS

The authors performed a literature search and reviewed the current understanding on risk factors and disease parameters in order to discuss the challenges in assessing and implementing diagnosis and therapy in clinical practice.

RESULTS

The revised International Pediatric MS group diagnostic criteria improved the accuracy of diagnosis. Identification of red flags and mimickers (e.g. acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and neuromyelitis optica) are vital before establishing a definitive diagnosis. Possible etiology and mechanisms including both environmental and genetic risk factors are highlighted. Pediatric MS patients tend to have active inflammatory disease course with a tendency to have brainstem / cerebellar presentations at onset. Due to efficient repair mechanisms at early life, pediatric MS patients tend to have longer time to reach EDSS 6 but reach it at earlier age. Although no therapeutic randomized clinical trials were conducted in pediatric cohorts, open-label multi-center studies reported efficacy and safety results with beta interferons, glatiramer acetate and natalizumab in similar adult cohorts. Several randomized clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of oral disease-modifying therapies are ongoing in pediatric MS patients.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric MS has been increasingly recognized to have a more inflammatory course with frequent infratentorial presentations at onset, which would have important implications in the future management of pediatric cohorts while awaiting the results of ongoing clinical trials.

Paediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Update on Diagnostic Criteria, Imaging, Histopathology and Treatment Choices

Paediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) represents less than 5 % of the MS population, but patients with paediatric-onset disease reach permanent disability at a younger age than adult-onset patients. Accurate diagnosis at presentation and optimal long-term treatment are vital to mitigate ongoing neuroinflammation and irreversible neurodegeneration. However, it may be difficult to early differentiate paediatric MS from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), as they often have atypical presentation that differs from that of adult-onset MS. The purpose of this review is to summarize the updated views on diagnostic criteria, imaging, histopathology and treatment choices.

Multiple Sclerosis in Pediatrics: Current Concepts and Treatment Options

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS is increasingly recognized in the pediatric population, and it is usually diagnosed around 15 years of age. The exact etiology of MS is still not known, although autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors play important roles in its development, making it a multifactorial disease. The disease in children almost always presents in the relapsing-remittent form. The therapy involves treatment of relapses, and immunomodulatory and symptomatic treatment. The treatment of children with MS has to be multidisciplinary and include pediatric neurologists, ophthalmologists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and if necessary, pediatric psychiatrists and pharmacologists. The basis of MS therapy should rely on drugs that are able to modify the course of the disease, i.e. immunomodulatory drugs. These drugs can be subdivided into two general categories: first-line immunomodulatory therapy (interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, glatiramer acetate) and second-line immunomodulatory therapy (natalizumab, mitoxantrone, fingolimod, teriflunomide, azathioprine, rituximab, dimethyl fumarate, daclizumab). Treatment of relapses involves the use of high intravenous doses of corticosteroids, administration of intravenous immunoglobulins, and plasmapheresis. We summarize here the current available information related to the etiology and treatment options in MS. Early administration of immunomodulatory therapy is beneficial in adults, while more studies are needed to prove their effectiveness in pediatric populations. Therefore, pediatric MS still represents a great challenge for both, the early and correct diagnosis, as well as its treatment.

Diagnoses in Pediatric Patients With Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Lesions Suspicious for Demyelination

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the brain in pediatric patients frequently show abnormal white matter lesions, which may be concerning for demyelinating disease. This study aimed to determine the proportion of pediatric patients who have MRI lesions concerning for demyelinating disease at presentation and ultimately are diagnosed with a primary central nervous system demyelinating disease. A retrospective chart review was performed on MRI reports of patients who underwent imaging evaluation at a single tertiary pediatric hospital. Of 299 patients identified, 192 presented with acute neurologic complaints. In this group, ≥ 5 discrete lesions, African American race, and having brain stem, thalamic, cerebellar, or optic nerve lesions was associated with the patient being diagnosed with a disease that required further treatment. The other 107 patients underwent MRI for other indications. Among these subjects, having lesions within the corpus callosum or cerebellum was associated with being diagnosed with a disease requiring further treatment.