ABSTRACT
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The disease usually affects young people, although it may also occur in early childhood. As well as the availability of diagnostic methods rises also the possibility of disease-modifying treatment increases. With constant development of diagnostic methods also the possibility of disease-modifying treatment (DMT) increases. Since 2012 in Poland a therapeutic program of the National Health Fund gives the possibility of using first-line therapy treatment in children/adolescents with multiple sclerosis (over 12 years of age), and since June 2015 using the interferon beta in children of 7 years old and body mass below 30 kg has been approved. Interferon beta is the first choice treatment. When selecting interferon type the child's age, lifestyle and the possibility of cooperation must be taken into account. The comprehensive care to a child with MS is based on cooperation of pediatric neurologist, rehabilitation physician, physiotherapist, psychologist and nurse. Training for self-administered interferon injection takes place in the hospital department and under the direct supervision of an experienced nurse. All these elements are taking place in our Clinic. The recent studies from the literature clearly have proven the efficacy and safety of interferon beta treatment in children. Yet agains/still it is a huge challenge to search for an effective and safe drug/ medication but with much more convenient form of administration.
