Investigators at Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, evaluated the 2012 revised IPMSSG consensus definitions in a cohort of children with acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) prospectively followed for 2 years from Jan 2007. An MRI within 90 days after first disease onset was a criterion for inclusion. Of 82 children with ADS, 35 were diagnosed with pediatric MS. The time to MS diagnosis applying the 2007 and revised 2012 definitions was compared. The revised 2012 definitions had sufficient sensitivity (80%) and high specificity (100%). MS diagnosis was made at first MRI and 3.4 months earlier (p = 0.004) applying the new definitions. [1]
COMMENTARY. The new 2012 International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group (IPMSSG) consensus definitions of acquired demyelinating syndromes [2] incorporate the 2010 revised McDonald criteria for MS and allow for a reliable and earlier MS diagnosis in all children, including those younger than 12 years.