Early Predictors of Disability in Paediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Evidence from a Multi -National Registry

Abstract

Background: Early recognition of markers of faster disability worsening in paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is a key requisite of personalised therapy for children with MS at the earliest possible time. Objective: To identify early predictors of rapid disability accrual in patients with paediatric-onset MS. Methods: Using the global MSBase registry, we identified patients who were <18 years old at the onset of MS symptoms. The clinico-demographic characteristics examined as predictors of future MS Severity Score (MSSS) included sex, age at symptom onset, absence of disability at the initial assessment, maximum Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, relapse frequency and p..