Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term motor and neurocognitive outcome of children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and to identify prognostic risk factors.
Methods
The study included 43 children who were hospitalized due to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis during the years 2002-2012. Children underwent full neurological examinations, along with comprehensive neurocognitive and behavioral assessments.
Results
Twenty-six children (61%) had different degrees of neurological sequelae after a mean follow-up of 5.5±3.5 years. The most common residual impairment included attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (44%), behavioral problems (32%) and learning disabilities (21%). Five (12%) children had a full-scale IQ of 70 or less, compared to 2.2% in the general population. Neurocognitive sequelae were found even in children who were considered as fully recovered at the time of discharge. Risk factors for severe neurological sequelae were older age at diagnosis and male gender.
Conclusions
We suggest neuropsychological testing and long-term follow-up for all children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, even in the absence of neurologic deficits at discharge.
