Multiple sclerosis and related disorders among children: updates on diagnosis, treatment and outcome

Inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica) affect adults and individuals under the age of 18. Approximately 5% of cases of multiple sclerosis represent a pediatric form, characterized by symptoms similar to the adult form, but often with a multifocal and aggressive clinical onset related to more pronounced inflammatory mechanisms than in adults. There are at least four reasons why clinicians and researchers also focus on central nervous system demyelinating disease in children: (1) the complexity of the differential diagnosis compared to other pathologies (e.g., infectious, storage, genetic); (2) the central nervous system involvement in childhood with the consequent impact on cognitive development; (3) the limited availability of therapeutic options in children (e.g., use of off-label medications); and (4) in terms of etiological research, the close temporal relationship between exposure and the onset of symptoms. The management of young patients with multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica should therefore be relegated to specialized centers and a multidisciplinary approach coordinated by expert neuropediatricians and neurologists. The conference features nationally and internationally renowned experts on inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. Starting from the long-standing experience on the management of adult multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, such evidence will be translated to the pediatric population, highlighting similarities and criticalities. The conference will offer a unique opportunity for clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic insights and scientific updates on the topic. Psychosocial and organizational aspects related to these conditions will also be addressed.