Multiple sclerosis: clinical characteristics and disability progression in Moroccan children.

Background: 5% of multiple sclerosis have their onset in childhood.

Objectives: We aim to show the clinical features and follow-up of Moroccan pediatric MS patients.

Methods: 25 pediatric MS records were analyzed between 2005 and 2013 at the Neurology B department of Rabat Ibn sina University Hospital and Medical School Group of Neurogenetic Disorder of Rabat Mohammed V University Souissi.

Results: The median duration of follow up was 4 years [1.56]. The median age at disease onset was 14 years. Clinical symptoms were described. At the last evaluation, the median EDSS score was 3.0 [0-7.5]. The median time between disease onset and diagnosis was 2 years [1-9] and the median time from MS onset to second neurological episode was 1 year [0.9-3] with an average of 2 relapses in the first 2 years. The median time to reach EDSS 3.0 was 4.5 years [2-17] and the median time to go from EDSS 3.0 to 6.0 was 4 years [2.5-6]. The majority of cases at the last follow-up were; relapsing-remitting (17 patients: 68%), although 8 patients (32%) developed secondary progressive MS after median disease duration of 5 years [4-19]. None of the patients had a primary progressive MS.

Conclusion: Time EDSS 3.0 and to secondary progression was shorter in our cohort than previously reported in other series.