Paediatric optic neuritis: factors leading to unfavourable outcome and relapses.

OBJECTIVES: To identify prognostic factors associated with poor visual recovery and chronic relapsing diseases, for example, multiple sclerosis (MS), in children with optic neuritis (ON) at onset.

METHODS: This multicentre retrospective study included 102 children with a first ON episode between 1990 and 2012. The primary criterion was poor visual recovery determined by visual acuity, and the secondary was relapses following ON.

RESULTS: Median age was 11 years, 66% were girls and mean follow-up was 24 months. 58% of children were diagnosed with idiopathic isolated ON, 22% had MS, 5% had Devic's neuromyelitis optica and 6% chronic relapsing inflammatory ON. Complete visual acuity recovery rate was 57% (95% CI=[46%-69%]) at 6 months and 71% (95% CI=[60%-81%]) at 1 and 2 years but was lower in MS (p<0.01), with recovery rate of only 27% (95% CI=[12%-54%]) at 1 year. Age ≥10 years, optic disc pallor at funduscopy and MS were the principal factors associated with poor visual recovery. Age ≥10 years, abnormal brain MRI at onset and oligoclonal banding were significantly associated with MS (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Age ≥10, optic disc pallor and MS were associated with poor recovery. Better identification of these patients may help to adapt treatment and lead to a prospective treatment study.