Clinical Profile of Patients with Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

The prevalence of pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is 0.69-26.92 per 100,000 individuals. Here we describe the clinical profile and follow-up of patients with POMS from India where the data are scarce. This is a retrospective observational study; the data were collected from the ongoing MS registry from 2007. The clinical and demographic profile was studied and therapy response was documented. There were nine patients with POMS with a mean age of 16.8 years (13-19). The lag in the diagnosis ranged from 0 to 8 years (mean of 2.5 years). Six had relapsing remitting variant of MS (RRMS). Optic neuritis was the most common presentation (44%). Oligoclonal bands were positive in 5 (55%). Optic neuritis was the common symptom followed by ataxia due to brainstem or spinal cord involvement. The lag period was long and the impairment in academic performance and social functioning was a concern.