Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, cilt.104, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Objective: To evaluated demographic and clinical characteristics of POMS in Turkey and examined the impact of age at onset on prognosis. Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system that mainly affects adults. However, 3–5 % of cases begin before age 18, defined as pediatric-onset MS (POMS). POMS often presents with higher relapse rates and distinct clinical patterns compared with adult-onset disease. Methods: Data from seven MS centers in Turkey were retrospectively reviewed. Patients meeting the 2017 McDonald criteria with onset before age 18 were included. Clinical and demographic features were recorded, and patients were stratified into onset before 14 years and onset at or after 14 years. Results: Among 5827 screened patients, POMS prevalence was 5.83 %. Visual symptoms predominated in patients aged ≥14 years, while brainstem and cerebellar symptoms were more common in younger-onset cases. Female predominance was significant only in the older-onset group. Younger-onset patients had longer delays from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment, and higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores at last follow-up. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) was associated with spinal cord lesions, polysymptomatic onset, higher early relapse rates, and delayed treatment initiation. Conclusion: Age at onset influences presentation, diagnostic delay, and disability in POMS. Early recognition and timely therapy may improve outcomes. Larger prospective studies are needed to refine prognostic markers and optimize management in this population. pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, prognosis, disability, secondary progressive MS, Turkey