Optimizing Identification and Earlier Treatment Decision-Making in Pediatric-Onset MS

Volume 6, Issue 1

Optimizing Identification and Earlier Treatment Decision-Making in Pediatric-Onset MS

In this issue:

The uncommon occurrence of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) has traditionally posed difficulties in diagnosis. Given the prevalence of alternative diagnoses and overlapping symptoms in the pediatric population, it is crucial to evaluate other potential etiologies. Earlier and accurate diagnosis allows for timely management, which is critical since POMS does not necessarily protect against disability accumulation or progression.

In this issue of eMultipleSclerosis Review, Haiwen Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, and Karla Gray-Roncal, MD, Fellow in Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infectious Disease at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, review the potential prognosis and optimized diagnosis and management of POMS. Drs. Chen and Gray-Roncal will discuss the effect of POMS on long-term disability, appropriate identification of POMS from other acquired demyelinating syndromes in children, and the role of DMTs in the management and outcomes of pediatric patients with MS.

Learning objective:

Discuss evidence that informs treatment decision for pediatric patients.

Authors:

Haiwen Chen, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Neurology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Karla Gray-Roncal, MD

Fellow in Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infectious Disease (NMSS Sylvia Lawry Fellow)
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Guest Faculty Disclosures

The authors have indicated that they have no financial interests or relationships with an ineligible company. 

Unlabeled/Unapproved Uses

The authors made the following references to disease modifying therapies currently used off-label for treating POMS: interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, diroximel fumarate, teriflunomide, natalizumab, rituximab, ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab, and cyclophosphamide.

Program Directors:

Michael Kornberg, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD

Pavan Bhargava, MBBS, MD

Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD

Lisa Fox, PA-C, MPAS

Department of Neurology
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, MD

Guest Faculty Disclosures:

The authors have indicated that they have no financial interests or relationships with an ineligible company. 

Unlabeled/Unapproved Uses:

Length of activity:

1.0 hour Physicians
1.0 contact hour Nurses

Launch date: September 15, 2024
Expiration date: September 14, 2026

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