LAUSR

Objectives EBM literature offers no data on cognitive impairment in patients diagnosed with MS in childhood and adolescence. The aim of the study was to assess intellectual function in children and adolescents with MS. Methods The study involved 17 children aged 11.5–17 years with newly diagnosed MS hospitalized in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, Jagiellonian University in Cracow. All patients underwent neuropsychological and neurophysiological examination (endogenous evoked P300 potential). The cognitive and emotional functioning was assessed using the Wechsler tests (Polish edition), DUM (a visual learning test), and clinical trials of memory, attention, executive functioning and praxis. The P300-induced auditory stimulus examination was performed on the KeyPoint Natus in accordance with the International Federation for Clinical Neurophysiology recommendations. The results received were evaluated per own standards and following parameters were recognised as abnormal: prolongation of P300 wave above 2 SD and/or decrease in the amplitude of more than 50%. Results The neuropsychological results show that none of the examined children with newly diagnosed MS had visuospatial difficulties. The immediate auditory memory span is very well developed in all patients (above average). The study found a slight increase in P300 latency (321.76 ± 21.70 ms), higher amplitude (13.93 ± 8.63 uV), and a shorter period of reaction time (324.93 ± 163.68 ms) compared to the control group (the latency −298.14 ± 38.76 ms, the amplitude of −9.64 ± 7.32 uV,the reaction time −380.11 ± 79.94 ms). Discussion The results obtained are consistent with those of the references. Conclusions: 1 Patients with newly diagnosed MS in childhood and adolescence do not show significant cognitive impairments in neuropsychological examination. 2. The active demyelinating process in the initial period of the disease does not impair cognitive functioning as assessed with P300. Significance: The proper functioning of young people with newly diagnosed MS is found.