Abstract
Many disease-modifying therapies are currently available for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) but none of them has been tested in pediatric MS in randomized placebo-controlled trials. At present, as suggested by observational studies and experts' guidelines, interferon-β and glatiramer acetate continue to be the standard first-line treatments for pediatric MS. Observational studies and some controlled unblinded trials have shown a positive effect of these meditations in reducing relapse rate and delaying disease progression, with an acceptable safety profile. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of current knowledge with regard to safety, tolerability, and efficacy of first-line treatment options for MS in the pediatric age group, with the aim of providing guidance for planning first-line treatment of MS in children and adolescents.
GLOSSARY
- DMT=
- disease-modifying therapies;
- GA=
- glatiramer acetate;
- IFN-β=
- interferon-β;
- MS=
- multiple sclerosis;
- NAb=
- neutralizing antibodies;
- RRMS=
- relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Footnotes
Go to Neurology.org for full disclosures. Funding information and disclosures deemed relevant by the authors, if any, are provided at the end of the article.
- Received August 19, 2015.
- Accepted in final form January 19, 2016.
- © 2016 American Academy of Neurology
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