Ekmekci, OzgulYuceyar, NurKocaman Sagduyu, Ayse2019-10-272019-10-2720121302-16641302-1664https://hdl.handle.net/11454/45414Objective: Multiple Sclerosis is uncommon in children and adolescents. Two to 5 % of all patients with MS have onset before age 16. Although the clinical profile of MS appears similar to adults some features may differ. The disease may lead to significant disability at a younger age. Our aim is to determine the clinical features and, disease course in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis. Methods: In this study, we evaluated 21 patients with pediatric onset (before age 18). The records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. The following variables were evaluated; sex, age at onset, presenting symptoms, disease course, relapse rate, immunomodulatory treatment. Results: Twenty one patients were included to study. The mean age at onset was 15.2 (ranged 8-17). The female/male ratio was 1.3. The median follow up period was 5 years. The major presenting symptoms were pyramidal (9 patients), brainstem (8 patients) and optic neuritis (4 patients). The initial disease course was relapsing remitting in 19 patients but in 3 patients, secondary progression was observed before age 30. Two patients were with clinically isolated syndrome. Nineteen patients were treated with immunomodulatory drugs. In 4 patients Mitoxantrone was used because of progressive course and relapses. Conclusion: The clinical presentation of multiple sclerosis with pediatric onset is usually benign but in the long term, patients with pediatric onset can become disabled at a younger age.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessMultiple sclerosisEarly onset multiple sclerosisPediatric onset multiple sclerosisArticle294804809WOS:000312600000015Q4