Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of 490 Children and Adolescents with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): US Network of Pediatric MS Centers’ Experience (S29.004)

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with MS in the USA. Background: There are few USA series of pediatric MS, and none with large sample sizes of patients enrolled from centers across the country. This large multicenter study has the sample size and scope to address the clinical features of a diverse patient sample and compares preadolescent and older cases. Methods: We completed a retrospective analysis of a prospective longitudinal observational study of children and adolescents with MS, evaluated from 11/2011 to 02/2015 across 9 geographically diverse sites as part of the US Network of Pediatric MS centers. Results: A total of n=490 children and adolescents were enrolled (324 girls, 166 boys); 28[percnt] developed symptoms <12 years of age. The proportion of girls increased with age; 58[percnt] (< 12 years) to 70[percnt] (≥ 12 years). Race and ethnicity as self-identified were: Caucasian (67[percnt]), African-American, (21[percnt]); non-Hispanic; (69[percnt]). Most (94[percnt]) were born in the US; 39[percnt] had one or both parents being foreign-born. A monofocal presentation was noted in 55[percnt]; 31[percnt] of cases had a prodrome (most frequently infectious), and most often among those <12 years. Children <12 years presented more commonly with encephalopathy and coordination problems. Sensory symptoms were more frequent among those ≥12 years. Among the girls, 78[percnt] had MS onset post menarche. The initial EDSS for the group was <3.0; annualized relapse rate was 0.647 for the first two years following symptom onset. The interval from MS diagnosis to initiation of disease modifying therapy was longer among those <12 years of age vs. ≥12 years. Conclusions: Pediatric MS in the USA is characterized by racial and ethnic diversity, a high proportion of children with foreign born parents, and clinical and treatment differences between those Disclosure: Dr. Belman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Krupp has received licensing and/or royalty fees from Johnson and Johnson, AbbVie, and Grifols. Dr. Olsen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rose has received research support from Biogen Idec, AbbieVie Biotherapeutics, Teva, Cumming Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, VA and NIH. Dr. Aaen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Benson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chitnis has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis and Biogen. Dr. Chitnis has received research support from Merck-Serono and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Gorman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Graves has nothing to disclose. Dr. Harris has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lotze has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ness has nothing to disclose. Dr. Roalstad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rodriguez has received research support from Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. Dr. Tillema has nothing to disclose. Dr. Waubant has received personal compensation for activities with Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Genzyme Corporation, and Novartis. Dr. Waubant has received research support from Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Biogen Idec, and Novartis. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Teva Neurosciences, EMD Serono, Pfizer, Novartis, Genzyme & Sanofi, Mylan, and Acorda. Dr. Casper has nothing to disclose.