Pediatric versus adult MS: similar or different?

In this review the most important aspects of pediatric multiple sclerosis are presented and compared with the adult form. Some findings appear peculiar of pediatric MS: a. Clinical manifestations are similar in adolescents and adults with MS, however in very young subjects MS frequency at onset is similar in males and females, with a higher frequency of brainstem/cerebellar involvement and acute polysymptomatic/ADEM like onset; b. The course is relapsing-remitting in the large majority of patients, with a high relapse rate; c. Mild or severe disability is reached after a longer interval, but at a lower age compared to adult MS; d. The frequency of cognitive dysfunction is relatively high, with a quick deterioration but also the capability to partially recover with time; e. MRI is fundamental for diagnosis and prognosis: the pattern of MRI has some peculiar aspects in pediatric MS patients: i) the classic diagnostic criteria cannot be fulfilled, ii) lesion load is more relevant, iii) lesions are less destructive, have a more pronounced inflammatory pattern and have enhanced capability to recover with time; f. Diagnostic criteria of adults can be applied to patients with less than 18 years, but with limitations for subjects with less than 12 years and ADEM-like onset; g. The approach in differential diagnosis is particular complex and many disorders with clinical manifestations in the pediatric age must be considered: in this context it is important to pay attention to clinical, MRI and CSF red flags. Anti-MOG abs syndrome has been recently identified and should be carefully considered in patients with Acquired Demyelinating Syndrome; h. CSF oligoclonal bands are less frequent in pediatric MS patients, their presence in patients with Acquired Demyelinating Syndrome is strongly correlated to the risk of MS; i. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors determine the risk of developing MS; j. MS has a more pronounced inflammatory pattern (as suggested by the high relapse rate and the most relevant inflammatory pattern at brain MRI); k. The treatment is based on the approach used for adults: as MS has a strong impact on patients and their family the model of care should involve a team with specialized neurologists, pediatricians and neuro-pediatricians, nurses, psychologists, social workers and specialists of rehabilitative medicine.