Boston 2014 Participants
Photos from the Inaugural IPMSSG Global Members Clinical and Research Symposium, 9 September 2014
The World of Pediatric MS: A Global Update
A report on the Inaugural International Pediatric MS Study Group
Global Members Clinical and Research Symposium
Recently the International Pediatric MS Study Group (IPMSSG) held its first-ever members educational programme, The World of Pediatric MS: A Global Update. Held in Boston, the symposium brought together 72 IPMSSG members from 19 countries to learn from each other and share experience and expertise in the field of pediatric MS.
The global members symposium was compromised of plenary and breakout sessions. The opening plenary session was entitled, Am I missing something? Is it MS? Is it NMO? It included presentations on MS criteria, prognostic markers in pediatric MS, differential diagnosis of children with an acute demyelinating event and brain biopsy, the role of MOG antibodies in the differential diagnosis, and NMO criteria and how it differs from MS in diagnosis and management of unclear cases.
Summary: Am I Missing Something?
Definitions: 2007 and 2013 publications
Three workshops followed. The workshop on Vitamin D – To D or Not to D? – focused on the issue of whether one should test for vitamin D levels and, if so, how and what and when. Presentations were offered on an overview of the topic and results of an IPMSSG members’ survey conducted prior to the symposium, an argument why children with demyelination should be monitored and treated with Vitamin D as well as a response that there will be challenges in monitoring and treating children with demyelination with Vitamin D. A panel discussion followed on testing frequency, treatment approaches, and priority areas for further work.
Summary: Vitamin D and POMS information sheet.
A second workshop considered MS Treatment in Two Steps. The presentations included the pros & cons of early treatment and induction therapy, what can be learned from therapeutic concepts in rheumatology, what clinical trials in pediatric MS have shown, how can MRI help in therapeutic decisions and whether it is possible to identify/define inadequate treatment response.
Summary: Treatment in Two Steps
The third workshop was Cognition – How Can We Help? Presentations focused on what are the cognitive issues, clinical and neuroimaging correlates, longitudinal studies, unmet needs, future research perspectives, assessment challenges in different settings, and the role of fatigue and depression.
Summary: Cognition and POMS
The programme concluded with a second plenary session in the area of keen interest and activity for the IPMSSG, Clinical Trials in Pediatric MS and the IPMSSG Response. Speakers addressed on-going and future trials and issues related to design, regulatory issues, MRI and cognition as future outcomes and insufficient treatment response, safety and tolerance.
summit and consensus statement regarding treatment, Clinical trial task force, Recommendations for the evaluation of investigational agents in pediatric MS.
The programme was supported by the Italian MS Society, MS International Federation, and the National MS Society.
Reading list for all sections.