Pediatric multiple sclerosis: Pathogenesis and etiology

Multiple sclerosis initially thought to be disease of adults is invariably present in younger age groups as well. Most of the studies looking at pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis are based on adult patient population. Traditionally T cells were thought to be main immunological factor playing vital role in pathophysiology but recent studies suggest more complex picture involving roles of B cell, antibodies and innate immunity. Since MS is chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease and it's widely accepted that immune system of pediatric age group is different than adult counterparts hence a different pathophysiological model may be present. Many genetic and environmental factors play as etiological factors in MS. More research is needed to understand pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis in pediatric age group and looking into genetic and environmental etiological factors may broaden the horizon in understanding multiple sclerosis and may help in future research and treatment.