[Multiple sclerosis: pathogenesis and manifestations in children].
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare in children and occurs exceptionally before ten years. Sex ratio (girl/boy) is around 2.5 to 3, higher than in adults. Brain stem dysfunction and meningeal symptoms are more commonly first manifestations of the disease than in adults. Optic neuritis is also a frequent early manifestation. The etiology of the disease remains unclear and none of the advanced hypotheses (infectious, genetic, environmental) can by themselves explain its occurrence. There is a genetic susceptibility which is probably linked to many genes leading to a low related risk (less than two). A viral trigger mechanism in a person with a genetic predisposition is possible. New therapies result from a better understanding of the closed immune mechanisms of the disease.
Brissaud
O
O
Unité de neuropédiatrie, centre hospitalier universitaire Pellegrin, hôpital des enfants, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, Bordeaux, France. olivier.brissaud@free.fr
Palin
K
K
Chateil
J F
JF
Pedespan
J M
JM
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology