MOG Antibody–Associated Encephalitis in Children

To characterize myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody–associated demyelinating and encephalic pediatric syndromes, investigators in Spain conducted a prospective, observational study of 535 children with central nervous system disorders consistent with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), non-ADEM encephalitis, and other demyelinating disorders (e.g., transverse myelitis and optic neuritis).

Of 239 children with demyelinating syndromes, 94 (39%) were MOG antibody positive, including 3 of 43 (7%) with multiple sclerosis. Of the 64 children with non-ADEM encephalitis, 22 (34%) were MOG antibody positive. Of the 116 MOG antibody–positive patients, 49% were girls, median age w…