Disease-modifying therapy of pediatric multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. Improved awareness, access to care, and subspecialty training in pediatric MS has allowed for better access to treatment. Children with MS present with an overwhelmingly relapsing form of the disease and have more frequent relapses than their adult counterparts during the early phases of disease. Cognitive deficits are prominent in pediatric MS, as opposed to locomotor disability. Beta interferons and glatiramer acetate are frequently used off-label drugs. Additional second-line therapies have occasionally been used in treatment failures. No randomized clinical trials have been performed to date in pediatric MS; however, recent legislation necessitates pediatric studies for new agents, which will allow for better defined pharmacokinetic, dosing, and efficacy data to guide the treating neurologist.