In the largest sample studied to date, we measured cognitive functioning in children and adolescents with pediatric multiple sclerosis
(n = 187) as well as those with clinically isolated syndrome (n = 44).
Participants were consecutively enrolled from six United States
Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Centers of Excellence. Participants had a mean of 14.8 ± 2.6 years of
age and an average disease duration of 1.9 ± 2.2 years. A total of 65
(35%) children with multiple sclerosis
and 8 (18%) with clinically isolated syndrome met criteria for
cognitive impairment. The most frequent areas involved were fine motor
coordination (54%), visuomotor integration (50%), and speeded
information processing (35%). A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
(odds ratio = 3.60, confidence interval = 1.07, 12.36, P = .04) and
overall neurologic disability (odds ratio = 1.47, confidence interval =
1.10, 2.10, P = .03) were the only independent predictors of cognitive
impairment. Cognitive impairment may occur early in these patients, and
prompt recognition is critical for their care.
Cognitive impairment can occur in all Msers and this also occurs in childhood MS and correlates with worse disability.
Labels: Childhood MS, Cognitive impairment