Practice-relevant autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system in pediatrics: early diagnosis and adequate initiation of treatment

Background Pediatric autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system have recently come into the the focus of attention. Important advances have been made in the field of children with multiple sclerosis (MS), which led to a better understanding of the clinical characteristics and treatment options. Furthermore, new autoantibodies against target antigens of neurons, peripheral nerves and the myelin sheath have been detected. Objective This article summarizes new advances in children with MS and addresses the differences to their adult counterparts. In addition, the most important forms of autoimmune encephalitis, such as N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) encephalitis in children are described together with the diagnostic algorithm and therapeutic approach in the event of a suspected autoimmune encephalitis. Lastly, the clinical spectrum of MOG antibody-associated diseases (MOGAD) is detailed.