Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis in Finland
In a study of 73 children with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), 47% were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) before age 18. The median time from CIS to MS diagnosis for this group was 6 months. The study identified various CIS phenotypes, including optic neuritis (32%) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (14%). The prevalence of pediatric-onset MS in the population studied was 5.5 per 100,000.
- Most relevant to
- Pediatric Neurologist, Neurologist
Why it matters
This study highlights the occurrence and early diagnosis of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis, an area that may require more awareness and support given the rarity of POMS in Finland.
What this does not prove
The findings do not address long-term outcomes of the cases studied and are limited to children diagnosed at specific hospitals, which may not reflect the overall pediatric population.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 73 · number of children with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) identified
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-23
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Other
Original sources
- Primary evidencePediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis in Finland ↗
Supporting passages (9)
study phasePOMS is rare in Finland.
study designSUBJECTS: and methods: Individuals under 18 years of age diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or MS were identified from the MS registries of Tampere and Helsinki University Hospitals, based on the ICD-10 classification.
subjectsSUBJECTS: and methods: Individuals under 18 years of age diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or MS were identified from the MS registries of Tampere and Helsinki University Hospitals, based on the ICD-10 classification.
sample sizeA total of 73 children with CIS were identified.
sample size basisSUBJECTS: and methods: Individuals under 18 years of age diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or MS were identified from the MS registries of Tampere and Helsinki University Hospitals, based on the ICD-10 classification.
research categoriesPOMS is rare in Finland.
findingsCIS phenotypes included optic neuritis (ON) in 23/73 (32%), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in 10/73 (14%), transverse myelitis (TM) in 9/73 (12%), internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) in 5/73 (7%) and other or undefined monofocal presentations in 15/73 (21%) and multifocal presentations in 11/73 (15%).
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-23
limitationsTitle: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis in Finland.
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