The management of multiple sclerosis in children: a European view.
About 3-5% of all patients with multiple sclerosis experience the onset of their disease under the age of 16. A significant proportion of paediatric multiple sclerosis patients develop significant cognitive disturbances and persistent physical disability. The high relapse rate and the morbidity in the paediatric multiple sclerosis population has triggered the use of disease-modifying therapies that have been shown to reduce relapse rate, disease progression and cognitive decline in adult patients with multiple sclerosis. Hard evidence for the right treatment and its appropriate timing is scarce in paediatric multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, expertise in this field has grown thanks to recent open-label trials and experience generated in specialized centres. In spring 2009, a first meeting was held in Rotterdam with clinicians from 11 European countries (one from Canada) that are all active in the management of paediatric multiple sclerosis. One of the aims was to generate a common view on the management of paediatric multiple sclerosis patients. The result of this meeting is presented here to help standardize treatment and to support clinicians with less experience in this field.
Ghezzi
Angelo
A
Centro Studi SM, H S. Antonio Abate, Gallarate, VA, Italy.
Banwell
Brenda
B
Boyko
Alexey
A
Amato
Maria Pia
MP
Anlar
Banu
B
Blinkenberg
Morten
M
Boon
Maartje
M
Filippi
Massimo
M
Jozwiak
Sergiusz
S
Ketelslegers
Immy
I
Kornek
Barbara
B
Lim
Ming
M
Lindstrom
Eva
E
Nadj
Congor
C
Neuteboom
Rinze
R
Rocca
Maria A
MA
Rostasy
Kevin
K
Tardieu
Marc
M
Wassmer
Evangeline
E
Catsman-Berrevoets
Coriene
C
Hintzen
Rogier
R
D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D017211:Treatment Failure
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a