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Saito S, Ikeguchi R, Kitagawa K, Shimizu Y. Clinical Experience with Dimethyl Fumarate and Natalizumab in Pregnant Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Four-Patient Case Series. Case Rep Neurol Med 2024; 2024:7808140. [PMID: 39044765 PMCID: PMC11265946 DOI: 10.1155/2024/7808140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferon β and glatiramer acetate are the disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) considered relatively safe for use in pregnant women with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, the safety profile of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and natalizumab (NTZ) in this population remains inconclusive. Here, we present four cases of pregnant women with MS who were treated with DMF and NTZ (n = 2 patients, each) during their pregnancy and discuss our observations with the use of these drugs and the clinical courses of the patients. We retrospectively examined relapse of MS during pregnancy and after delivery; duration of exposure to DMDs; maternal, fetal, and neonatal adverse events; breastfeeding; and timing of resumption of DMDs. The two patients treated with DMF discontinued treatment 5 or 6 weeks after the discovery of pregnancy. DMF was resumed 1 week postpartum, and mixed breastfeeding was initiated. Brain magnetic resonance imaging in one patient 9 months after delivery revealed a new lesion; however, it was not classified as a clinical relapse. In two patients treated with NTZ, the dosing interval was extended to 6 weeks after the discovery of pregnancy. One patient discontinued NTZ at 30 weeks and the other at 25 weeks of gestation, as a slight restriction in fetal growth was observed owing to hyperemesis gravidarum. Both patients opted for formula feeding, and no relapse was observed within 1 year postpartum. Additionally, no abnormalities were observed in any of the patients during the perinatal period, and their development was normal. Investigation of drug safety in pregnant and parturient women primarily relies on registries, postmarketing surveillance, and case reports due to ethical limitations on conducting randomized controlled trials. Our findings demonstrated that DMF and NTZ were not contraindicated during pregnancy or the perinatal period in women with MS; nevertheless, vigilant monitoring is essential to ensure the safety of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Saito
- Department of NeurologyTokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, 8-1, Kawadacho, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Ikeguchi
- Department of NeurologyTokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, 8-1, Kawadacho, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kitagawa
- Department of NeurologyTokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, 8-1, Kawadacho, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Shimizu
- Department of NeurologyTokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, 8-1, Kawadacho, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan
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Van Neste M, Nauwelaerts N, Ceulemans M, Cuppers B, Annaert P, Smits A, Allegaert K. Very low monomethyl fumarate exposure via human milk: a case report-a contribution from the ConcePTION project. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1393752. [PMID: 39015385 PMCID: PMC11250615 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1393752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While breastfeeding is recommended, knowledge regarding medicine transfer to human milk and its safety for nursing infants is limited. Only one paper has previously described dimethyl fumarate (DMF) transfer during breastfeeding in two patients at 5 and 6 months postpartum, respectively. The current case report describes maternal pharmacokinetic data of monomethyl fumarate (MMF), the active metabolite of DMF, and infant exposure estimations of MMF at 3 months postpartum. Methods A 32-year-old Caucasian woman started DMF therapy (120 mg, 2x/day) for multiple sclerosis at 3 months postpartum, after weaning her infant from breastfeeding. On day 99 after birth, the patient collected four milk samples over 24 h after 6 days of treatment at the initial dose. Additionally, a single maternal blood sample was collected to calculate the milk-to-plasma (M/P) ratio. The samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometry method. Results A wide range of measured steady-state concentrations of MMF (5.5-83.5 ng/mL) was observed in human milk samples. Estimated daily infant dosage values for MMF, calculated with 150 and 200 mL/kg/day human milk intake, were 5.76 and 7.68 μg/kg/day, and the relative infant doses were 0.16 and 0.22%. The observed mean M/P ratio was 0.059, similar to the M/P ratio predicted using the empirical Koshimichi model (0.06). Discussion Combining this case report with the two previously described cases, the estimated infant exposure is low, albeit with relevant intra- and inter-patient variabilities. Research should further focus on infant exposure and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martje Van Neste
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nina Nauwelaerts
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michael Ceulemans
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Teratology Information Service, Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
| | - Benedikte Cuppers
- Teratology Information Service, Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- BioNotus GCV, Niel, Belgium
| | - Anne Smits
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Witt L, Thiel S, Hellwig K. [Pregnancy and breastfeeding in women with multiple sclerosis]. DER NERVENARZT 2024; 95:329-334. [PMID: 38393359 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-024-01621-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women of reproductive age is associated with many uncertainties regarding childbearing and lactation. Pregnancies of MS patients are not usually considered high-risk pregnancies per se. The likelihood of pregnancy complications or adverse pregnancy outcomes is not increased by the disease; however, a careful planning of pregnancy is important in order to choose the treatment option with the greatest benefit for the mother and the least possible risk for the baby. For highly active courses of the disease, anti-CD20 antibodies, cladribine, or continued administration of natalizumab show the best data. Patients with MS can be supported in their desire to breastfeed. If women have had a very active disease course, it is recommended that treatment should be started as soon as possible postpartum. Interferon-beta preparations, glatiramer acetate and ofatumumab are also approved for use during breastfeeding but off-label breastfeeding is also possible with other monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Witt
- Neurologische Klinik St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Sandra Thiel
- Neurologische Klinik St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Neurologische Klinik St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum, Deutschland.
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4
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Bove R, Sutton P, Nicholas J. Women's Health and Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis. Neurol Clin 2024; 42:275-293. [PMID: 37980119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis has a 3:1 female-to-male predominance and commonly presents in young adult women. The hormonal changes in women throughout their lifetime do affect the underlying pathology of multiple sclerosis, and the needs of women therefore change with age. Although multiple sclerosis does not adversely affect fertility or pregnancy, there are many factors to consider when caring for women throughout family planning, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. The care of these women and complex decisions regarding disease-modifying therapy use in family planning should be individualized and comprehensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, 1651 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Paige Sutton
- OhioHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center, 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Nicholas
- OhioHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center, 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
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Haben S, Ciplea AI, Tokic M, Timmesfeld N, Thiel S, Gold R, Langer-Gould AM, Hellwig K. Early postpartum treatment strategies and early postpartum relapses in women with active multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:151-157. [PMID: 37536925 PMCID: PMC10850706 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-331525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse risk after delivery is increased in women with active multiple sclerosis (MS), the best strategy to reduce it is unknown. We aimed to assess the association of four different postpartum strategies with relapses during the first 6 months post partum. METHODS This cohort study includes data prospectively collected through structured telephone interviews from the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry. Pregnancies with active MS (fingolimod or natalizumab treatment OR relapse within 1 year before pregnancy) and postpartum follow-up of ≥6 months were included. We compared four strategies: (1) intention to breastfeed exclusively without disease-modifying therapy (DMT) (exclusive breast feeding ≥2 months or switching to non-exclusive/weaning within 2 weeks after a relapse during the first 2 months), (2) early treatment with natalizumab/fingolimod and (3) other DMT initiated within 6 weeks post partum before a relapse. If women did not or only partially breastfed, or started DMT≤6 weeks after delivery after a relapse or later, we assumed (4) no-DMT-no-exclusive- breastfeeding-strategy. Main outcome was time to postpartum MS relapses. RESULTS In 867 women with 911 pregnancies, most (n=416) intended to breastfeed exclusively or had no-DMT-no-exclusive-breastfeeding-strategy (n=290); fewer started fingolimod (n=38), natalizumab (n=74) or another DMT (n=93) early. Recurrent time-to-event analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in relapse hazard only with the natalizumab/fingolimod-strategy as of months 3-4 post partum compared with intention-to-breastfeed-exclusively-strategy. The very early relapse risk was highest in no-DMT-no-exclusive-breastfeeding-strategy. CONCLUSION In active MS, an early postpartum treatment strategy should be determined well before delivery. Natalizumab/fingolimod-strategy reduced postpartum relapse hazard from month 3, but none diminished the early postpartum relapse hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Haben
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrea I Ciplea
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marianne Tokic
- Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nina Timmesfeld
- Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sandra Thiel
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Zakroyshchikova IV, Simaniv TO, Zemlyanaya DO, Timofeeva AA, Zakharova MN. [The effect of pregnancy on multiple sclerosis]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:43-49. [PMID: 39175239 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202412407243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Planning for pregnancy and possibility of disease modifying treatment (DMTs) is an important question in female patients of reproductive age who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). The frequency of refusals to plan pregnancy is 14%. This is due to numerous concerns about the course of pregnancy, its outcomes, as well as the possible effect of DMTs on the fetus and the probability of disease transmission to a child. The article discusses immunological reactions taking place in MS patients during pregnancy, which are protective in its nature. Data for all groups of DMTs regarding pregnancy planning, possible risks of their impact on fertility and teratogenicity is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - T O Simaniv
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | - D O Zemlyanaya
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Timofeeva
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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7
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Gold R, Barnett M, Chan A, Feng H, Fujihara K, Giovannoni G, Montalbán X, Shi FD, Tintoré M, Xue Q, Yang C, Zhou H. Clinical use of dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis treatment: an update to include China, using a modified Delphi method. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231180734. [PMID: 37465201 PMCID: PMC10350766 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231180734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a widely used oral disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). Its efficacy and safety profiles are supported by over a decade of experience. Differences exist between Asia and Europe/United States in the prevalence and characteristics of MS; most data for DMF are derived from populations outside Asia. DMF was recently (2021) approved for use in China. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the evidence for DMF's profile, to provide an update to healthcare providers on current knowledge surrounding its use and to assess the relevance of existing data to use in China. This study used a modified Delphi method based on the insights of a scientific Steering Committee (SC), with a structured literature review conducted to assess the data of DMF. The literature review covered all papers in English (from 01 January 2011 to 21 February 2022) that include 'dimethyl fumarate' and 'multiple sclerosis', and their MeSH terms, on PubMed, supplemented by EMBASE and Citeline searches. Papers were categorized by topic and assessed for relevance and quality, before being used to formulate statements summarizing the literature on each subject. SC members voted on/revised statements, requiring ⩾80% agreement and ⩽10% disagreement for inclusion. Statements not reaching this level were discussed further until agreement was reached or until there was agreement to remove the statement. A total of 1030 papers were retrieved and used to formulate the statements and evidence summaries considered by the SC members. A total of 45 statements were agreed by the SC members. The findings support the positive efficacy and safety profile of DMF in treating patients with MS. Limited Chinese patient data are an ongoing consideration; however, based on current evidence, the statements are considered applicable to both the global and Chinese populations. DMF is a valuable addition to address unmet MS treatment needs in China. Registration: Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44791, Germany
| | - Michael Barnett
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital (Bern University Hospital), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huiyu Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kazuo Fujihara
- Department of Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Department of Neurology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xavier Montalbán
- Neurology Department, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia (Cemcat), Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fu-Dong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mar Tintoré
- Neurology Department, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia (Cemcat), Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Qun Xue
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunsheng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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8
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Krysko KM, Dobson R, Alroughani R, Amato MP, Bove R, Ciplea AI, Fragoso Y, Houtchens M, Jokubaitis VG, Magyari M, Abdelnasser A, Padma V, Thiel S, Tintore M, Vukusic S, Hellwig K. Family planning considerations in people with multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:350-366. [PMID: 36931808 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed in patients who are planning on having children. Although multiple sclerosis does not negatively influence most pregnancy outcomes, less is known regarding the effects of fetal exposure to novel disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). The withdrawal of some DMTs during pregnancy can modify the natural history of multiple sclerosis, resulting in a substantial risk of pregnancy-related relapse and disability. Drug labels are typically restrictive and favour fetal safety over maternal safety. Emerging data reporting outcomes in neonates exposed to DMTs in utero and through breastfeeding will allow for more careful and individualised treatment decisions. This emerging research is particularly important to guide decision making in women with high disease activity or who are treated with DMTs associated with risk of discontinuation rebound. As increasing data are generated in this field, periodic updates will be required to provide the most up to date guidance on how best to achieve multiple sclerosis stability during pregnancy and post partum, balanced with fetal and newborn safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Krysko
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth Dobson
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University London, London, UK; Department of Neurology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Raed Alroughani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrea I Ciplea
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Yara Fragoso
- Multiple Sclerosis and Headache Research Institute, Santos, Brazil; Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Metropolitana de Santos, Santos, Brazil
| | - Maria Houtchens
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vilija G Jokubaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melinda Magyari
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Azza Abdelnasser
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Vasantha Padma
- Department of Neurology, Neurosciences Center, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandra Thiel
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mar Tintore
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Vukusic
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie, sclérose en plaques, pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation, Bron, France; Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France; Eugène Devic EDMUS Foundation against multiple sclerosis, state-approved foundation, Bron, France
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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9
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Al-Khawajah MM, Al-Barakati RG, Al-Jedai AH, Al-Malik YM, Al-Mudaiheem HY, Al-Omari BA, Al-Thubaiti IA, Al-Yafeai RH, Bunyan RF, Cupler EJ, Hakami M, Kedah HM, Makkawi S, Saeed LH, Saeedi JA, Shosha E, Al-Jumah MA. Saudi Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Family Planning within the Management of MS. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn7020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article addresses the complex issues faced by individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who are planning a family, becoming pregnant, or wishing to breastfeed their baby. Recommendations and guidelines were discussed and agreed upon by neurologists, neuroradiologists, nurses, and pharmacists involved in the management of MS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). MS itself does not harm a pregnancy, and people with MS of childbearing age can be encouraged to enjoy family life. Family planning should be a part of the initial conversation with a newly diagnosed patient of childbearing age. Interferons and glatiramer acetate can be continued throughout pregnancy and can be administered during breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks. These DMTs may be considered for a woman with well-controlled MS who is planning a pregnancy or otherwise not using contraception, according to an individualized risk-benefit analysis. The use of contraception should be maintained during the administration of other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Natalizumab can be administered at a reduced administration frequency to women with high MS disease activity up to 30 weeks gestation (this agent may induce hematological abnormalities in the fetus). Other DMTs should be withdrawn for variable periods before contraception is stopped and immediately after the discovery of a pregnancy (beware of rebound disease activity after withdrawing natalizumab or fingolimod). Resumption of treatment should not be delayed in women at risk of relapse during the postpartum period and especially in those who do not wish to breastfeed.
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10
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Graham EL. Neuroimmunological Disorders. Neurol Clin 2023; 41:315-330. [PMID: 37030960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that tends to affect women during their childbearing years. Although relapse risk decreases during pregnancy, patients should still be optimized on disease-modifying therapy before and after pregnancy to minimize gaps in treatment. Exclusive breastfeeding may reduce the chances of disease relapse postpartum, and many disease-modifying therapies are considered to be safe while breastfeeding. Treatments for other neuroimmunologic disorders such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, neurosarcoidosis, and central nervous system vasculitis may require rituximab before and prednisone or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy during pregnancy.
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11
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Collorone S, Kodali S, Toosy AT. The protective role of breastfeeding in multiple sclerosis: Latest evidence and practical considerations. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1090133. [PMID: 36761920 PMCID: PMC9902945 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1090133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunoprotective role of pregnancy in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been known for decades. Conversely, there has been rich debate on the topic of breastfeeding and disease activity in MS. In clinical practice, women are often offered to restart their disease-modifying drug (DMD) soon after delivery to maintain their relapse risk protection. Limited available information about peri-partum DMD safety can discourage women to choose breastfeeding, despite the World Health Organization's recommendation to breastfeed children for the first 6 months of life exclusively. New evidence is emerging about the protective role of exclusive breastfeeding on relapse rate. Research studies shed light on the hormonal and immunological mechanisms driving the risk of relapses during pregnancy and postpartum. Finally, case reports, real-world data, and clinical trials are increasing our knowledge of the safety of DMDs for the fetus and infant. While some DMDs must be avoided, others may be considered in highly active pregnant or lactating women with MS. This mini-review conveys recent evidence regarding the protective role of exclusive breastfeeding in MS and offers clinicians practical considerations for a patient-tailored approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Collorone
- NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, Queen Square MS Centre, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Srikirti Kodali
- NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, Queen Square MS Centre, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed T Toosy
- NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, Queen Square MS Centre, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Vukusic S, Carra-Dalliere C, Ciron J, Maillart E, Michel L, Leray E, Guennoc AM, Bourre B, Laplaud D, Androdias G, Bensa C, Bigaut K, Biotti D, Branger P, Casez O, Cohen M, Daval E, Deschamps R, Donze C, Dubessy AL, Dulau C, Durand-Dubief F, Guillaume M, Hebant B, Kremer L, Kwiatkowski A, Lannoy J, Maarouf A, Manchon E, Mathey G, Moisset X, Montcuquet A, Pique J, Roux T, Marignier R, Lebrun-Frenay C. Pregnancy and multiple sclerosis: 2022 recommendations from the French multiple sclerosis society. Mult Scler 2023; 29:11-36. [PMID: 36317497 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221129472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations on pregnancy management for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). BACKGROUND MS typically affects young women in their childbearing years. Increasing evidence is available to inform questions raised by MS patients and health professionals about pregnancy issues. METHODS The French Group for Recommendations in Multiple Sclerosis (France4MS) reviewed PubMed and university databases (January 1975 through June 2021). The RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was developed to synthesise the scientific literature and expert opinions on healthcare topics; it was used to reach a formal agreement. Fifty-six MS experts worked on the full-text review and initial wording of recommendations. A group of 62 multidisciplinary healthcare specialists validated the final proposal of summarised evidence. RESULTS A strong agreement was reached for all 104 proposed recommendations. They cover diverse topics, such as pregnancy planning, follow-up during pregnancy and postpartum, delivery routes, locoregional analgesia or anaesthesia, prevention of postpartum relapses, breastfeeding, vaccinations, reproductive assistance, management of relapses and disease-modifying treatments. CONCLUSION The 2022 recommendations of the French MS society should be helpful to harmonise counselling and treatment practice for pregnancy in persons with MS, allowing for better and individualised choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Vukusic
- Sclérose en Plaques, Pathologies de la Myéline et Neuro-Inflammation, Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France/INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Bron, France/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France/Eugène Devic EDMUS Foundation against Multiple Sclerosis, State-approved Foundation, Bron, France
| | | | - Jonathan Ciron
- Centre Ressources et Compétences sclérose en plaques (CRC-SEP) et Service de Neurologie B4, Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, CHU Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, France INSERM UMR1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Elisabeth Maillart
- Neurology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, CRC-SEP, Paris, France
| | - Laure Michel
- Neurology Department, CIC_P1414 INSERM, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Leray
- EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS (Recherche sur les Services et Management en Santé) - U 1309, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | | | | | - David Laplaud
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes Université and INSERM, Nantes, France/CIC INSERM 1413, CRC-SEP Pays de la Loire, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Géraldine Androdias
- Sclérose en Plaques, Pathologies de la Myéline et Neuro-Inflammation, Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France/Clinique de la Sauvegarde, Ramsay Santé, Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Bensa
- CRC-SEP, Neurology Department, Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Bigaut
- CRC-SEP, Service de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Damien Biotti
- Centre Ressources et Compétences sclérose en plaques (CRC-SEP) et Service de Neurologie B4, Hôpital Pierre-Paul Riquet, CHU Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, France INSERM UMR1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Branger
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Olivier Casez
- Pathologies Inflammatoires du Système Nerveux, Neurologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France/Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (T-RAIG), TIMC-IMAG, Université de Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Mikael Cohen
- CRCSEP Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice Pasteur 2, Nice, France/Université Nice Côte d'Azur UR2CA-URRIS, Nice, France
| | - Elodie Daval
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Romain Deschamps
- CRC-SEP, Neurology Department, Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Donze
- Hôpital saint Philibert, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille, Faculté de médecine et de maïeutique de Lille, Lomme, France
| | - Anne-Laure Dubessy
- Department of Neurology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, APHP-6, Paris, France/Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Dulau
- CRC-SEP, Hôpital Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Françoise Durand-Dubief
- Sclérose en Plaques, Pathologies de la Myéline et Neuro-Inflammation, Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | | | | | - Laurent Kremer
- CRC-SEP, Service de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Arnaud Kwiatkowski
- Department of Neurology, Lille Catholic Hospitals, Lille Catholic University, Lille, France
| | - Julien Lannoy
- Service de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier de Lens, Lens, France
| | - Adil Maarouf
- CRMBM, UMR 7339, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France/APHM Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Manchon
- Department of Neurology, Gonesse Hospital, Gonesse, France
| | - Guillaume Mathey
- Service de neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy - Hôpital Central, Nancy, France
| | - Xavier Moisset
- Neuro-Dol, Inserm, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France/Department of neurology et CRC-SEP, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Julie Pique
- Sclérose en Plaques, Pathologies de la Myéline et Neuro-Inflammation, Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France/INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Bron, France/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Roux
- Neurology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, CRC-SEP, Paris, France
| | - Romain Marignier
- Sclérose en Plaques, Pathologies de la Myéline et Neuro-Inflammation, Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France/INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Lyon, France/Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Christine Lebrun-Frenay
- Service de Neurologie, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France/Université Nice Côte d'Azur UR2CA-URRIS, Nice, France
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Capone F, Albanese A, Quadri G, Di Lazzaro V, Falato E, Cortese A, De Giglio L, Ferraro E. Disease-Modifying Drugs and Breastfeeding in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Literature Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:851413. [PMID: 35493841 PMCID: PMC9051389 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.851413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-related issues in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been receiving increasing attention, with particular interest for the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) before conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum, including breastfeeding. The risk of relapse is higher in the early postpartum period, especially in cases of significant disease activity prior to pregnancy, and thus treatment resumption and/or switching strategies might be necessary. Moreover, breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers, and is recommended as the best source of nutrition for infants. Furthermore, a protective role of breastfeeding on MS disease course has not been fully demonstrated and it remains debatable. At the same time, a source of concern is the potential transfer of DMTs into breastmilk and the resulting infant exposure. The use of most DMTs is unlicensed during breastfeeding mainly due to the limited data available on the excretion in human milk and on the effects on infants' exposure. Consequently, women have to face the difficult challenge of choosing between breastfeeding and DMT resumption. The present narrative review summarizes and discusses the available evidence on the safety of DMTs during breastfeeding and the relative approved labels. At the time of diagnosis of MS, specific counseling should be offered to women of childbearing age, making them aware of the possible therapeutic options and their impact on pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women can be encouraged to breastfeed, if clinically feasible, following a review of their medications and clinical status, with a personalized approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fioravante Capone
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fioravante Capone
| | - Angela Albanese
- Merck Serono S.p.A., An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Quadri
- Merck Serono S.p.A., An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Falato
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Cortese
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, S. Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura De Giglio
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, S. Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Hellwig K, Rog D, McGuigan C, Houtchens MK, Bruen DR, Mokliatchouk O, Branco F, Peng X, Everage NJ. Interim Analysis of Pregnancy Outcomes After Exposure to Dimethyl Fumarate in a Prospective International Registry. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/1/e1114. [PMID: 34815321 PMCID: PMC8611504 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Oral delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is not recommended during pregnancy and should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential fetal risk. Although DMF was well tolerated in clinical trials with consistent safety results in postmarketing surveillance, data are limited in pregnant women. The objective was to provide pregnancy outcomes and DMF exposure information from an interim analysis from a prospective, international registry (TecGistry; NCT01911767). Methods Women exposed to DMF from the first day of their last menstrual period before conception or during pregnancy were evaluated. Data were obtained at enrollment; 6−7 months' gestation; 4 weeks after estimated due date; and 4, 12, and 52 weeks after birth. Outcomes included live births, gestational size, pregnancy loss, birth defects, and infant or maternal death after delivery. Outcomes were analyzed cumulatively from October 30, 2013 (the start of TecGistry), to April 8, 2020. Results Of 345 enrolled patients, median (range) age was 32 (20–43) years. The mean (SD) duration of gestational weeks of DMF exposure was 4.9 (3.8). Most infants were full-term at birth (n = 249/274; 91%) and of average gestational size (n = 190/232; 82%). Of 351 outcomes, 277 were live births; 17 (5%) spontaneous abortions (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6%–7.1%), including 1 (<1%) molar and 1 (<1%) ectopic pregnancy, were reported. There were 8 (2.9% [95% CI 1.3%–5.6%]) adjudicator-confirmed birth defects among the 277 live births. Discussion Interim results from this large registry indicate that early DMF exposure was not significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Outcomes are consistent with previous smaller reports and with the general population. Trial Registration Information TecGistry; clinical trial registration number: NCT01911767.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hellwig
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - David Rog
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - Christopher McGuigan
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - Maria K Houtchens
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - Denise R Bruen
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - Oksana Mokliatchouk
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - Filipe Branco
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - Xiaomei Peng
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA
| | - Nicholas J Everage
- From the Katholisches Klinikum Bochum (K.H.), Ruhr University, Germany; Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (D.R.), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (C.M.), St. Vincent's University Hospital & University College, Dublin, Ireland; Partners MS Center (M.K.H.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Adult Neurology Clinic (D.R.B.), Charlottesville, VA; and Biogen (O.M., F.B., X.P., N.J.E.), Cambridge, MA.
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Hellwig K, Verdun di Cantogno E, Sabidó M. A systematic review of relapse rates during pregnancy and postpartum in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211051012. [PMID: 34876925 PMCID: PMC8645312 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211051012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pregnancy is widely accepted as a period when relapses of
multiple sclerosis (MS) are decreased, with an increased risk of relapse in
the first months postpartum. This systematic review evaluated relapses
during pregnancy and postpartum, according to disease-modifying therapy
(DMT) exposure before, during, and after pregnancy, and the influence of DMT
on these outcomes. Methods: We searched Medline and EMBASE to identify relevant
publications from November 2009 to 2019 along with references lists of
selected articles. Publications were filtered and assessed by two
independent reviewers to ensure appropriate data extraction. Results: Of 469 articles identified, 28 were included for analysis
including 4739 pregnancies in 5324 patients. All five studies comparing
natalizumab or fingolimod (high-efficacy DMTs) use preconception versus
interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate, or no DMT
suggested that there was a greater risk of relapse during pregnancy
following withdrawal of the high-efficacy DMTs. Of 10 studies evaluating
relapses during pregnancy, five studies found that continuing DMTs into
early pregnancy reduced relapses compared to discontinuing treatment. DMT
exposure preconception generally had no effect on postpartum relapses versus
no DMT; however, natalizumab or fingolimod use preconception was associated
with postpartum relapse versus no high-efficacy DMT in one study. DMT
exposure during pregnancy was associated with fewer postpartum relapses
versus no DMT exposure in four of seven studies, while three found no
difference between groups. Conclusion: Results of this systematic review concerning women with
relapsing MS show a complex and often conflicting picture regarding DMT
exposure and relapses during and after pregnancy. Although our data are
limited by variability between studies, there is some evidence suggesting
the use of natalizumab or fingolimod preconception is associated with
increased risk of relapses during pregnancy, highlighting the need for
effective disease-management strategies in these especially high-risk
patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany
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Thiel S, Ciplea AI, Gold R, Hellwig K. The German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry: rationale, objective, design, and first results. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211054956. [PMID: 34840606 PMCID: PMC8613898 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211054956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) predominantly affect women of reproductive age. During the last few decades many disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been approved. It is therefore important to provide epidemiological structures for the collection of safety information on exposed pregnancies. Data on disease activity after withdrawal of DMTs are in high demand especially as severe relapses have been described after ceasing highly effective DMTs. Although breastfeeding is recommended, it is still unclear if the early reintroduction, especially of highly effective DMTs, has a beneficial effect on postpartum relapse risk or a combination of both, however safety data are lacking. Methods: The German MS and Pregnancy Registry (DMSKW) is a nationwide, observational, cohort study of pregnant women with MS or NMOSD, founded in 2006. As the study procedure has undergone important adaptation in recent years, described here is the updated methodology including data source and acquisition as well as variables collected within the DMSKW. Results: As of December 2020, the DMSKW database comprises 2579 pregnancies, 2568 with MS and 11 with NMOSD. Women are enrolled at a median gestational week of 11 (range: 0.02–42.1), have a median postpartum follow up of 1.2 years (range: 0–9.2) with 76% of all pregnancies being exposed to a DMT, mostly in the first trimester. Spontaneous abortion and preterm birth occurred in 7% and 10%, respectively; 19% of all women suffered from at least one relapse during pregnancy, with a minimum of 6% during the third trimester of pregnancy. Conclusion: The DMSKW is a valuable structure in providing safety data on drug exposure during pregnancy and lactation in combination with information on disease activity up to 6 years postpartum. This article will be the reference for describing the methods of future publications from the DMSKW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Thiel
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital - Katholisches Klinikum Bochum GmbH, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrea I Ciplea
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital - Katholisches Klinikum Bochum GmbH, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital - Katholisches Klinikum Bochum GmbH, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital - Katholisches Klinikum Bochum GmbH, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The fact that multiple sclerosis (MS) predominantly affects women has been recognized for many years. As the age at diagnosis is decreasing, and treatment options are becoming more complex, increasing numbers of women are facing decisions about the use of disease modifying therapy (DMT) in and around pregnancy. RECENT FINDINGS New data are rapidly becoming available, particularly regarding the safety of therapies in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Effective treatment and suppression of relapses is key to ensuring good outcomes in the longer term for the woman, however this must be balanced against individual risk of relapse and risks to the fetus. Women should be advised that it is possible to breastfeed while taking selected DMT. SUMMARY In this review, we discuss evidence surrounding the safety of DMTs in both pregnancy and breastfeeding, and use this knowledge to suggest approaches to pregnancy and family planning in women with MS.
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