Pediatric multiple sclerosis is associated with challenges in prompt diagnosis and uncertainty regarding optimal treatment. This review aimed to identify treatment guidelines or consensus statements for pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment options for pediatric multiple sclerosis, and any randomized controlled trials and observational studies examining available pharmacologic treatments in the pediatric multiple sclerosis population. Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE (1946-2016), EMBASE (1974-2016), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify treatment guidelines or consensus statements, pediatric multiple sclerosis treatment approvals, and randomized controlled trials and observation studies that examine the safety and effectiveness of available disease-modifying therapies. Only 3 consensus statements provided recommendations for pharmacologic treatments for children, all 3 published before the most recent revisions of the pediatric multiple sclerosis diagnostic guidelines. Despite the changes to the clinical landscape of pediatric multiple sclerosis with the introduction of diagnostic guidelines, fingolimod is the only FDA-approved treatment for pediatric multiple sclerosis in the United States. The effectiveness and safety of other disease-modifying therapies suggested by consensus statements have been reported in relatively small prospective and retrospective observational studies. Clinical evidence from a recently completed randomized controlled trial and future global registries can inform treatment decisions for the pediatric multiple sclerosis population.
Keywords: adolescents; autoimmune; children; multiple sclerosis; treatment.