Multiple Sclerosis in Children - featured June 7, 2011
< Back to Previous PageMultiple Sclerosis in Children
by: Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre
Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) in children is being recognized with increasing frequency. The first descriptions of MS in children were published by Charcot between 1829 and 1849, though it was not for another 50 years that MS in children was again described in the literature (Hanefeld, 2007). There are now several national programs focused on the research and clinical management of children with MS. Recently, an International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study group was constituted with the goal of fostering collaborative efforts (for more information, email: info@ipmssg.org).
Demographics and Epidemiology of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
How common is MS in children?
Analysis suggests that 2% to 5% of all patients with MS are diagnosed before their 16th birthday (Ness et al., 2007). These estimates, however, are based on retrospective review of established adult MS populations and may underestimate the true prevalence of the disease in the pediatric population. The annual average incidence of a first demyelinating event in Canadian children is 0.9/100,000, but has been reported as lower in other parts of the world (Banwell et al., 2007; Pohl, 2008). The incidence of MS diagnosis following an acute demyelinating event is the subject of ongoing research.
Genetics of MS
Genetic factors clearly influence the risk of developing MS, as MS can “run” in families. The risk of developing MS is approximately 30% if you have an identical twin with MS, 5% if you have a first degree relative (parent or non-twin) with MS, but only 0.1% if no one in the family has MS (Sadovnick, Dircks, & Ebers, 1999). Furthermore, carefully documented family histories reveal that approximately 20% of people with MS will have at least one first degree or distant relative with MS (Sadnovnick, Baird, & Ward, 1988). Family history data obtained from a large international study of MS demonstrated that 6% to 8% have a positive history of MS (Banwell et al., 2007). It is important to remember that the first degree relatives of pediatric patients with MS are still young, and may still be at risk to develop MS in the future.
Read the full text of "Multiple Sclerosis in Children" on MSRC.co.uk HERE
by: Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre
Introduction
Multiple sclerosis (MS) in children is being recognized with increasing frequency. The first descriptions of MS in children were published by Charcot between 1829 and 1849, though it was not for another 50 years that MS in children was again described in the literature (Hanefeld, 2007). There are now several national programs focused on the research and clinical management of children with MS. Recently, an International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study group was constituted with the goal of fostering collaborative efforts (for more information, email: info@ipmssg.org).
Demographics and Epidemiology of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
How common is MS in children?
Analysis suggests that 2% to 5% of all patients with MS are diagnosed before their 16th birthday (Ness et al., 2007). These estimates, however, are based on retrospective review of established adult MS populations and may underestimate the true prevalence of the disease in the pediatric population. The annual average incidence of a first demyelinating event in Canadian children is 0.9/100,000, but has been reported as lower in other parts of the world (Banwell et al., 2007; Pohl, 2008). The incidence of MS diagnosis following an acute demyelinating event is the subject of ongoing research.
Genetics of MS
Genetic factors clearly influence the risk of developing MS, as MS can “run” in families. The risk of developing MS is approximately 30% if you have an identical twin with MS, 5% if you have a first degree relative (parent or non-twin) with MS, but only 0.1% if no one in the family has MS (Sadovnick, Dircks, & Ebers, 1999). Furthermore, carefully documented family histories reveal that approximately 20% of people with MS will have at least one first degree or distant relative with MS (Sadnovnick, Baird, & Ward, 1988). Family history data obtained from a large international study of MS demonstrated that 6% to 8% have a positive history of MS (Banwell et al., 2007). It is important to remember that the first degree relatives of pediatric patients with MS are still young, and may still be at risk to develop MS in the future.
Read the full text of "Multiple Sclerosis in Children" on MSRC.co.uk HERE
