First demyelinating attack in children: A twelve year single center cohort.

INTRODUCTION

Acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) of the central nervous system in children present a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping presentations. Differentiating monophasic from potentially recurrent conditions, such as pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS), myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), and other seronegative ADS, is essential for treatment and prognosis. This study aimed to characterize the initial presentation of pediatric ADS and evaluate the evolution of diagnosis over time to better guide treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 59 children with ADS diagnosed at a tertiary pediatric center in Italy (2012-2024) was conducted. Initial classifications included MS, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), optic neuritis (ON), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), or "Indeterminate". Final diagnoses were categorized as MS, MOGAD, or "Other" demyelinating conditions. Demographic, clinical, MRI, CSF, and outcome were analyzed. Statistical comparisons among groups used Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

At final diagnosis, older age at onset, absence of preceding infection and characteristic MRI findings (periventricular/callosal lesions, cerebellar involvement) were more frequent in MS group. Younger age, preceding infection, fever, irritability, and cortical involvement were associated with MOGAD. Nearly one-third of final MS cases (29%) were initially CIS or ON, while no ADEM cases converted to MS. "Other" ADS (non-MS/MOG-IgG antibody negative patients) showed more severe initial disability (p = 0.01). Transition to adult neurology was significantly higher in MS (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

these findings underscore the heterogeneity of pediatric ADS at onset and the value of accurate acute management and longitudinal follow-up to refine diagnosis and guide treatment.