Predicting MS After an Initial Demyelinating Event in Children

In this retrospective multicenter study, investigators aimed to ascertain which clinical, radiologic, and CSF metrics can best predict conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS) following a first attack of inflammatory demyelination in children. In 117 children (age, <16 years), the authors classified the clinical presentation as monofocal (clinically isolated syndrome [CIS]; one area of CNS involvement; 54 children) or polyfocal (PCIS; multiple areas of CNS involvement; 63 children).

During a median follow-up of 43 months (range, 5–201 months), a second (MS-defining) attack occurred in 31% of the children: 43% of those with CIS and 21% of those with PCIS, a significant difference. Both Barkhof and KIDMUS (Kids with Multiple Sclerosis) MRI criter…