Background: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a rare and heterogeneous condition, with clinical features, progression, and therapeutic response varying significantly according to age at onset. Early-onset MS (12 years) forms. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records from 120 pediatric patients diagnosed with MS at a tertiary neurology center between 2018 and 2024. Patients were grouped by age at onset and assessed for clinical presentation, number and timing of relapses, EDSS scores, imaging findings, and treatment patterns. Results: Early-onset MS was associated with atypical symptoms, delayed diagnosis, more frequent relapses, and multifocal brainstem and cerebellar involvement. The diagnosis was significantly delayed in younger children compared to adolescents. EDSS scores tended to remain stable in the first 2–3 years, but early-onset patients showed a notable decline after the fourth year. While most patients received disease-modifying therapies, high-efficacy agents were underused due to age-related restrictions. Intermediate-onset patients presented overlapping features of both early and late-onset MS and had the highest proportion of fully preserved motor function (EDSS 0) at the end of follow-up. MRI findings revealed more extensive and confluent lesions in younger patients, particularly in the first two years after onset. Conclusions: Age at disease onset is a key determinant of clinical course and treatment response in pediatric MS. Early recognition and timely initiation of appropriate therapy—especially high-efficacy agents—may improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability. Further multicenter studies with standardized imaging and cognitive assessment protocols are needed to optimize care for this vulnerable population.

This article examines the complex relationship between seizures, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS) in pediatric patients, based on detailed findings from a single-center study. Background: Although multiple sclerosis is primarily recognized as an adult-onset disease, its occurrence in children presents distinctive challenges, especially related to seizure disorders. Methods: We reviewed 120 pediatric MS patients evaluated over 7 years; six of these (5%) experienced seizures (including one case of acute status epilepticus), and five were diagnosed with epilepsy according to the latest International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence rates and types of seizures while investigating their management strategies in this specific group. Results: Through a detailed case analysis and patient follow-up, we identified key factors contributing to seizure onset and explored implications for treatment and care. In our cohort, children with MS and seizures showed a higher risk for disease progression and greater cumulative disability, evidenced by a significantly higher last Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (after a minimum 2-year follow-up) in the seizure group (p < 0.006). The analysis recognized early MS onset and highly active disease types as further risk factors that led to worse health outcomes. Conclusions: Genetic causes of epilepsy in children are common and may interact with MS-related inflammation in the same patient; our observations underscore the need to investigate how these two conditions interact. This work contributes to the broader understanding of epilepsy comorbid with MS among pediatric patients, seeking to facilitate the creation of improved interdisciplinary clinical practices in pediatric neurology.

Genetic neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by impaired cognitive, behavioral, and neurological development resulting from pathogenic variants affecting brain development and synaptic function. Advances in molecular genetics and next-generation sequencing have significantly expanded the understanding of the genetic architecture underlying disorders such as Rett syndrome (RTT), Fragile X syndrome (FXS), Angelman syndrome (AS), and autism spectrum disorders. Beyond these classical neurodevelopmental disorders, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is included as a paradigmatic example of successful RNA-based therapeutic translation. Concurrently, RNA-based therapeutics have emerged as promising precision medicine strategies capable of modulating gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. These approaches include antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies, RNA editing technologies, and splice-modulating agents. Recent clinical successes, particularly in spinal muscular atrophy, have demonstrated the transformative potential of RNA therapeutics in neurological disease. However, substantial challenges remain, including BBB penetration, long-term safety, immune activation, and genotype-specific variability in therapeutic response. This review summarizes current advances in RNA-based therapeutics for genetic NDDs, highlighting molecular mechanisms, disease-specific therapeutic strategies, translational progress, delivery challenges, and future directions. Overall, continued progress will depend on the integration of disease biology, rational RNA therapeutic design, and effective CNS-targeted delivery, supporting the broader implementation of precision RNA medicine for genetic neurodevelopmental disorders.

This article examines the complex relationship between seizures, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS) in pediatric patients, based on detailed findings from a single-center study. Background : Although multiple sclerosis is primarily recognized as an adult-onset disease, its occurrence in children presents distinctive challenges, especially related to seizure disorders. Methods : We reviewed 120 pediatric MS patients evaluated over 7 years; 6 of these (5%) experienced seizures (including one case of acute status epilepticus), and 5 were diagnosed with epilepsy according to the latest ILAE classification. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence rates and types of seizures while investigating their management strategies in this specific group. Results: Through detailed case analysis and patient follow-up, we identified key factors contributing to seizure onset and explored implications for treatment and care. In our cohort, children with MS and seizures showed a higher risk for disease progression and greater cumulative disability, evidenced by a significantly higher last Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (after a minimum 2-year follow-up) in the seizure group (p < 0.006). The analysis recognized early MS onset and highly active disease types as further risk factors that led to worse health outcomes. Conclusions: Genetic causes of epilepsy in children are common and may interplay with MS-related inflammation in the same patient; our observations underscore the need to investigate how these two conditions interact. This work contributes to the broader understanding of epilepsy comorbidity with MS among pediatric patients, to facilitate the creation of improved interdisciplinary clinical practices in pediatric neurology.

Background: Baló’s concentric sclerosis stands out as a rare form of multiple sclerosis that features large tumor-like demyelinating lesions, which resemble brain tumors and create significant diagnostic and therapeutic obstacles for pediatric patients. Case Presentations: We present two case studies of pediatric patients, aged 11 and 15, diagnosed with extensive cerebral tumefactive inflammatory lesions indicative of Balo’s type multiple sclerosis (MS). Both cases highlight the unique challenges faced in the diagnosis and treatment of this rare form of MS, characterized by the presence of large, tumor-like lesions that can mimic primary brain tumors. We will explore the diagnostic complexities, including the need for advanced imaging techniques, MR (Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy, along with the time needed for differential diagnoses, which might delay the start of proper treatment. Current therapies, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators, require customization to individual patients, carefully monitoring of clinical outcomes and possible side effects. This paper emphasizes that handling these cases requires a multidisciplinary approach, addressing not only the medical treatment but also the psychosocial needs of affected children and their families. By sharing these experiences, we aim to increase awareness about Balo’s type MS in pediatric populations and provide clinical insights into effective management strategies for similar cases in clinical practice. Conclusions: Timely detection of atypical demyelinating lesions together with immediate treatment intervention plays a crucial role in pediatric Baló-type MS. These cases demonstrate the essential role of advanced imaging and immunological testing in precise diagnosis while showcasing successful treatment approaches through corticosteroids and second-line immunotherapies, which improve patient outcomes in this atypical MS variant.