Update on pediatric optic neuritis
- PMID: 31433309
- PMCID: PMC8796206
- DOI: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000607
Update on pediatric optic neuritis
Abstract
Purpose of review: To summarize recent developments in the classification, investigation and management of pediatric optic neuritis (PON).
Recent findings: A recent surge in interest surrounding antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab) has instigated a paradigm shift in our assessment of children with PON. This serological marker is associated with a broad spectrum of demyelinating syndromes that are clinically and radiologically distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS) and aquaporin-4 antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4+NMOSD). Optic neuritis is the most common presenting phenotype of MOG-Ab positive-associated disease (MOG+AD). MOG-Ab seropositivity is much more common in the pediatric population and it predicts a better prognosis than MS or AQP4+NMOSD, except in the subset that exhibit a recurrent phenotype.
Summary: A better grasp of MOG+AD features and its natural history has facilitated more accurate risk stratification of children after a presenting episode of PON. Consequently, the initial investigation of PON has broadened to include serology, along with neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Acute treatment of PON and chronic immunotherapy is also becoming better tailored to the suspected or confirmed diagnoses of MS, AQP4+NMOSD and MOG+AD.
Conflict of interest statement
CONFICTS OF INTEREST
There are no conflicts of interest
Figures


References
-
- Banwell B, Kennedy J, Sadovnick D, et al. Incidence of acquired demyelination of the CNS in Canadian children. Neurology 2009; 72(3):232–239. - PubMed
-
- Boesen MS, Magyari M, Koch-Henriksen N, et al. Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and other acquired demyelinating syndromes of the central nervous system in Denmark during 1977–2015: A nationwide population-based incidence study. Mult Scler 2018; 24(8):1077–1086. - PubMed
-
- Rodriguez M, Siva A, Cross SA, et al. Optic neuritis: a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Neurology 1995; 45(2):244–250. - PubMed
Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Research Materials
Miscellaneous