Abstract

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to evaluate the clinical features, treatment and long-term outcomes of patients with diagnosed acquired demyelinating syndromes.

METHODS

This study was conducted on children with a diagnosis of acquired demyelinating syndromes from January 2014 to January 2018. The demographic data, clinical presentation and outcome of the patients were collected from the medical records and reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 19 patients, nine (47%) were girls and ten (53%) were boys. Their mean age was 10±5 years. Seven patients (37%) had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis/ multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis, five patients (26%) had multiple sclerosis, three patients (16%) had optic neuritis, three patients (16%) had transverse myelitis, and one patient (5%) had neuromyelitis optica. Seven patients (37%) had experienced infection within 1 month before onset. Although the outcome for most of the patients was good, one patient who was diagnosed with optic neuritis had ongoing disabilities.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Incidence of childhood acquired demyelinating syndrome, especially multiple sclerosis, appears to be on the rise worldwide. Recognizing demyelinating syndromes carries important therapeutic and prognostic value.