Pediatric MS Characteristics in UAE
Published on Sun, 1 Apr 2018

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis in the United Arab Emirates: Characteristics From a Multicenter Study and Global Comparison
This study analyzed pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) cases in Abu Dhabi between 2010–2014. Among 82 patients, 65% were female, with Emiratis comprising 64.6% of cases. The average age of onset was 15.9 years, with visual symptoms more common in patients under 12, and mixed visual, motor, and sensory symptoms after 12. Interferon beta-1a was the most used therapy (48%). The incidence among Emirati nationals was notably higher (7.2/100,000 for ages 15–19) compared to global rates, while gender distribution remained consistent internationally.