Multiple sclerosis in childhood: understanding and caring for children with an "adult" disease.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare in childhood but may occur more frequently than originally believed. In light of the complex nature of MS, the expanding availability of new MS treatments, and the developmental needs of pediatric patients, multidisciplinary care of pediatric patients with MS is a necessity. Our review of MS in childhood aims to increase the awareness of neuroscience nurses about MS in children and adolescents, and to expand the knowledge of pediatric nurses concerning this "adult" disease. Our experience in developing a multidisciplinary pediatric MS clinic that addresses both health and developmental needs of children with MS is presented and discussed. The nurse's role in the care of these children and their families through assessment, support, education, advocacy, referral and coordination of care is emphasized.
Boyd
J R
JR
Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8. jennifer.boyd@sickkids.on.ca
MacMillan
L J
LJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010455:Peptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D007372:Interferons