Use of newer disease-modifying therapies in pediatric multiple sclerosis in the US

Kristenm Krysko, Jennifer Graves, Mary Rensel, Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, Gregory Aaen, Leslie Benson, Tanuja Chitnis, Mark Gorman, Manu Goyal, Lauren Krupp, Timothy Lotze, Soe Mar, Moses Rodriguez, John Rose, Michael Waltz, T. Charles Casper, Emmanuelle Waubant

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To characterize the use and safety of newer disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in children with multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) treated under 18 years of age. Methods This is a cohort study including children with MS or CIS followed at 12 outpatient practices participating in the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers. DMT use, including duration, dose, and side effects, was analyzed. Newer DMTs were defined as agents receiving Food and Drug Administration approval or with increased use in adult MS after 2005. Results As of July 2017, 1,019 pediatric patients with MS (n = 748) or CIS (n = 271) were enrolled (65% female, mean onset 13.0 ± 3.9 years, mean follow-up 3.5 ± 3.1 years, median 1.6 visits per year). Of these, 78% (n = 587) with MS and 11% (n = 31) with CIS received DMT before 18 years of age. This consisted of at least one newer DMT in 42%, including dimethyl fumarate (n = 102), natalizumab (n = 101), rituximab (n = 57), fingolimod (n = 37), daclizumab (n = 5), and teriflunomide (n = 3). Among 17%, the initial DMT prescribed was a newer agent (36 dimethyl fumarate, 30 natalizumab, 22 rituximab, 14 fingolimod, 2 teriflunomide). Over the last 10 years, the use of newer agents has increased, particularly in those ≥12 years and to lesser extent in those <12 years. The short-term side effect profiles of newer DMTs did not differ from those reported in adults. Conclusion Newer DMTs are often used in pediatric MS, and have similar short-term safety, tolerability, and side effect profiles as in adults. These findings may help inform pediatric MS management.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E1778-E1787
JournalNeurology
Volume91
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 6 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Use of newer disease-modifying therapies in pediatric multiple sclerosis in the US'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this