Multiple Sclerosis With Childhood Onset: Report of 21 Cases in Taiwan
Journal
Pediatric Neurology
Journal Volume
35
Journal Issue
5
Pages
327-334
ISSN
0887-8994
Date Issued
2006-11
Author(s)
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. However, the clinical features of childhood-onset multiple sclerosis in Asia have been rarely reported. This report presents our experience in 21 patients with multiple sclerosis (15 females, 6 males, mean age 12.4 ± 4.5 years) in Taiwan with the onset age before 18. The most common presenting symptoms were limb weakness (62%) and visual disturbance (43%). Poly-symptomatic presentations were found in 16 (76%) patients. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated basal ganglion involvement in 33.3% of the patients. Neuroimaging and neurophysiologic evaluations revealed optic nerve involvement in 13 (62%) patients. Only one child had the optico-spinal form. Eighteen (86%) patients had a relapsing remission course, whereas three (14%) patients had secondary progressive course. Three (14%) patients initially diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis developed multiple sclerosis after 4 months, 2 years, and 6 years, respectively. In conclusion, childhood multiple sclerosis in Taiwan is frequently poly-symptomatic, and is characterized by a higher ratio of optic nerve and basal ganglion involvement. However, the optico-spinal form of multiple sclerosis occurs rarely in children in Taiwan. Our experience suggests that the chance of relapsing should not be overlooked in patients presenting with clinical and neuroimaging findings suggestive of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. ? 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
article; basal ganglion; child; childhood disease; clinical article; clinical feature; disease course; encephalomyelitis; female; human; limb weakness; male; multiple sclerosis; neuroimaging; neurophysiology; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; onset age; optic nerve lesion; priority journal; Taiwan; visual disorder; Adolescent; Age of Onset; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Brain; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Multiple Sclerosis; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Taiwan
Type
journal article