Paediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes

Abstract Acquired demyelinating syndromes of the central nervous system are rare disorders in childhood. Immune-mediated damage affects the myelin sheath of the optic nerves, brain and spinal cord. The majority are monophasic. Relapsing demyelinating syndromes include multiple sclerosis, aquaporin-4 antibody-associated disease and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. The relapsing syndromes are associated with gradual accrual of neurological deficits and cognitive impairment. In this review, we discuss the presentation, diagnosis and management of monophasic and relapsing acquired demyelinating syndromes. We highlight the fact that CNS autoantibody mediated disorders are distinct clinical entities separate to multiple sclerosis and discuss the treatment options and prognosis for each. Finally, we detail current available therapeutic drugs for paediatric demyelinating conditions and their adverse effects.