Etiology and Clinical Profile of Pediatric Acquired Demyelination Syndromes of the Central Nervous System: An Ambispective Longitudinal Study from South India

Abstract

Background

Pediatric acquired demyelinating disorders (pADS) are diverse disorders with varied clinical presentations and literature regarding them is far and few.

Materials and methods

This ambispective study included 46 children with pADS who presented between 2016 and 2021 to our institution.

Results

The most common form was acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (41.3%). The most common symptom was limb weakness (45.6%). During follow-up, regression of milestones was observed in 3(7.5%) children, and seizures were seen in 4(10%) children. Except for two children, all others could perform activities of daily living. Residual weakness was seen in six children. Recurrence of pADS was seen in five children.

Conclusion

ADEM was the most common pADS, and 20% had residual deficits. Though mortality is rare in these groups of conditions, morbidity is significantly high, which can be reduced with proper and early treatment with immunosuppressants.