Multiple sclerosis in pediatric patients in Slovenia.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to review the Slovenian experience with the diagnostics, treatment and outcome in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

METHODS: Children and adolescent diagnosed with MS and followed by Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, University Childrens' Hospital Ljubljana, between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012 were included. Data from patients' documentation were analyzed retrospectively to record demographic data, clinical presentation, paraclinical findings, disability progression, relapse rate and treatment strategies.

RESULTS: The study includes 38 patients up to 18 years with MS diagnosis, with female: male ratio 2.8:1 and the incidence of 0.81 per 100.000 children of 0-18 years. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 15 years 4 months. Most frequent presenting symptoms were sensory, motor, brain-stem, visual and ataxia and 65% of patients had a relapse in the first year. The value of paraclinical findings was asessed. 74% of patients with definite MS and 36% of those with clinically isolated syndrome received disease modifyng therapy and 68% of them was not affected at the follow-up.

INTERPRETATION: The characteristics of pediatric MS patients in Slovenia disclose higher annual relapse rates than in adults but also favorable impact of disease modifying treatment on a clinical course. Our data suggest a good treatment tolerance but also the influence of the formulation on a decision to start or switch the treatment.