Comparison of Initial Disease-Modifying Therapies in Pediatric MS

Investigators from multiple institutions conducted a retrospective study to compare the effectiveness of newer disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to that of injectable DMTs in treating pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Study participants were patients with onset of MS or CIS prior to the age of 18 years treated at 1 of 12 centers that are part of the US Network of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Centers and who were identified from network databases. Diagnoses were made using standardized criteria. Clinical data were collected on study participants using standardized case report forms. Patients were classified as receiving an injectable DMT (interferon-β, glatiramer acetate) or newer DMT, including dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, teriflunomide, natalizumab, rituximab, ocrelizumab, and alemtuzumab. The primary outcome was relapse after starting DMT, …