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Lescot L, Lefort M, Leguy S, Le Page E, Vukusic S, Edan G, Kerbrat A, Lebrun-Frenay C, De Sèze J, Laplaud DA, Wiertlewski S, Leray E, Michel L. Disease modifying therapies and disease activity during pregnancy and postpartum in a contemporary cohort of relapsing Multiple Sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104122. [PMID: 36037756 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Multiple Sclerosis (MS) women, therapeutic management for pregnancy planning and during pregnancy still represents a challenge regarding timing of disease-modifying therapies (DMT) stop, risk of disease reactivation and potential fetal toxicity. The objective of this study was to describe disease activity during pregnancy and postpartum depending on treatment status before conception in women with MS. METHODS 339 MS patients who have achieved a pregnancy between 2007 and 2017 were included. Women were classified according to their exposure to DMT in the 18 months period prior to pregnancy (untreated / first- / second/third-line treatment). RESULTS 122 women were not exposed to DMT prior to conception, whereas 147 were exposed to first-line DMT and 70 to second/third line DMT (73% to natalizumab and 23% to fingolimod) before conception. In the first-line group, the ARR decreased from 0.39 during the year before conception to 0.21 during pregnancy, whereas it increased in the second/third-line group from 0.59 to 0.78. 47.1% of the second/third-line group faced at least one relapse during pregnancy and the time from conception to first relapse was significantly shorter in this group (p < 10-4). The risk of relapse during pregnancy and postpartum was associated with occurrence of pre-conception relapses and second/third line DMT exposure before pregnancy. CONCLUSION Careful consideration should be given to natalizumab and fingolimod exposed patients before conception as they are at higher risk of reactivation of MS during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Lescot
- Neurology Department, CRCSEP, Rennes Clinical Investigation Centre CIC-P 1414, Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes University Hospital Rennes University INSERM, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Mathilde Lefort
- EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS (Recherche sur les Services et Management en Santé) - U 1309, University Rennes, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Soizic Leguy
- Neurology Department, CRCSEP, Rennes Clinical Investigation Centre CIC-P 1414, Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes University Hospital Rennes University INSERM, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Emmanuelle Le Page
- Neurology Department, CRCSEP, Rennes Clinical Investigation Centre CIC-P 1414, Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes University Hospital Rennes University INSERM, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Sandra Vukusic
- Service de neurologie, Sclérose en plaques, Pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation et centre de recherche, Ressources et compétences sur la sclérose en plaques, Hospices civils de Lyon, Bron 69677, France; Inserm 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Observatoire français de la sclérose en plaques, Centre de recherche en neurosciences de Lyon, Lyon 69003, France; Université de Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon 69000, France; Eugène Devic EDMUS Foundation against multiple sclerosis, State-approved foundation, Bron 69677, France
| | - Gilles Edan
- Neurology Department, CRCSEP, Rennes Clinical Investigation Centre CIC-P 1414, Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes University Hospital Rennes University INSERM, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Anne Kerbrat
- Neurology Department, CRCSEP, Rennes Clinical Investigation Centre CIC-P 1414, Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes University Hospital Rennes University INSERM, Rennes 35033, France
| | | | - Jérome De Sèze
- Centre d'investigation clinique, INSERM U1434, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, 1 Place de l'Hôpital, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - David Axel Laplaud
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sandrine Wiertlewski
- Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Leray
- EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS (Recherche sur les Services et Management en Santé) - U 1309, University Rennes, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Laure Michel
- Neurology Department, CRCSEP, Rennes Clinical Investigation Centre CIC-P 1414, Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes University Hospital Rennes University INSERM, Rennes 35033, France; Microenvironment, Cell Differentiation, Immunology and Cancer unit, INSERM, Rennes I University, French Blood Agency, Rennes, France.
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Villaverde-González R. Updated Perspectives on the Challenges of Managing Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 12:1-21. [PMID: 35023987 PMCID: PMC8743861 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s203406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated, inflammatory, and degenerative disease that is up to three times more frequent in young women. MS does not alter fertility and has no impact on fetal development, the course of pregnancy, or childbirth. The Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis Study in 1998 showed that pregnancy, mostly in untreated women, did not adversely affect MS, as disease activity decreased during pregnancy (although it significantly increased in the first trimester postpartum). These findings, together with the limited information available on the potential risks of fetal exposure to disease modifying treatments (DMTs), meant that women were advised to delay the onset of DMTs, stop them prior to conception, or, in case of unplanned pregnancy, discontinue them when pregnancy was confirmed. Now, many women with MS receive DMTs before pregnancy and, despite being considered a period of MS stability, up to 30% of patients could relapse in the first trimester postpartum. Factors associated with an increased risk of relapse and disability during pregnancy and postpartum include relapses before and during pregnancy, a greater disability at the time of conception, the occurrence of relapses after DMT cessation before conception, and the use of high-efficacy DMTs before conception, especially natalizumab or fingolimod. Strategies to prevent postpartum activity are needed in some patients, but consensus is lacking regarding the therapeutic strategies for women with MS of a fertile age. This, along with the increasing number of DMTs, means that the decision-making processes in aspects related to family planning and therapeutic strategies before, during, and after pregnancy are increasingly more complex. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on pregnancy-related issues in women with MS, including recommendations for counseling, general management, use of DMTs in pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, and breastfeeding-related aspects of DMTs.
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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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Effects of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding on Clinical Outcomes and MRI Measurements of Women with Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Real-World Cohort Study. Neurol Ther 2021; 11:39-49. [PMID: 34714518 PMCID: PMC8857366 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-021-00297-6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pregnancy represents an important event for women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often accompanied by post-partum disease reactivation. To date, the influence of this reproductive phase on long-term MS outcomes is still largely unexplored. The objective of the study was characterise a large real-world cohort of women with MS to evaluate the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on short- and long-term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes while exploring the relationships with MRI measurements of brain atrophy. Methods MS patients with and without pregnancy were recruited. Clinical relapses and MRI activity of the year before conception versus the year after delivery were evaluated. Regression models were performed to investigate the relationships between long-term MS outcomes (EDSS score and MRI brain measurements obtained by SIENAX software) and pregnancy and breastfeeding duration. Results Two hundred ten women with MS were enrolled; of them, 129 (61.4%) had at least one pregnancy. Of all pregnancies (n = 212), those that occurred after MS onset (90 [42.4%]) were examined to evaluate the short-term outcomes. A higher annualised relapse rate in the post-partum year versus the pre-conception year (0.54 ± 0.84 vs. 0.45 ± 0.71; p = 0.04) was observed. A regression analysis showed that clinical activity after delivery was associated with clinical activity of the year before conception (p = 0.001) as well as duration of breastfeeding (p = 0.022). Similarly, post-partum MRI activity was associated with pre-conception MRI activity (p = 0.026) and shorter breastfeeding duration (p = 0.013). Regarding long-term outcomes, having had at least one pregnancy during MS was associated with a lower EDSS score (p = 0.021), while no relationships were reported with MRI measurements. Conversely, a breastfeeding duration > 6 months was associated with lower white matter volume (p = 0.008). Conclusions Our study underlines the importance of considering the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on short- and long-term MS outcomes. In the current therapeutic landscape, pregnancy planning and treatment optimisation in the post-partum period, in particular for women who choose to breastfeed, are fundamental for the management of these biological phases so central in a woman’s life.
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Proschmann U, Haase R, Inojosa H, Akgün K, Ziemssen T. Drug and Neurofilament Levels in Serum and Breastmilk of Women With Multiple Sclerosis Exposed to Natalizumab During Pregnancy and Lactation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:715195. [PMID: 34512637 PMCID: PMC8426350 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.715195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the transfer of the monoclonal antibody natalizumab into breastmilk and to evaluate drug and serum neurofilament light chain ((s)NfL) levels in natalizumab exposed pregnancies and lactation periods. Methods Eleven women with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab during pregnancy and lactation were included in this study. Breastmilk samples were collected up to 302 days after delivery and analyzed for natalizumab concentration and NfL. Additionally, maternal drug levels and sNfL were determined preconceptually, in each trimester, at delivery and postpartum. Clinical and radiological disease activity was systemically assessed across pregnancy and postpartum period. Results The mean average natalizumab concentration in breast milk was low at 0.06 µg/ml [standard deviation (SD) 0.05] in the eight patients who provided serial breastmilk samples with an estimated mean absolute infant dose of 0.007 mg/kg/d (SD 0.005). The relative infant dose (RID), a metric comparing the infant with maternal drug exposure was low as well with a mean of 0.04% (SD=0.03). Most patients had a maximum concentration in breast milk at one to eight days after infusion. Pregnancy was associated with a non-significant decline of the median natalizumab serum concentration. All patients exposed to natalizumab prior (n=10) and during pregnancy (n=11) kept free of disease activity during gestation. While pregnancy was associated with low sNfL levels in patients treated with natalizumab prior and during pregnancy, the postpartum period was linked to a transient sNfL increase in some patients without any evidence of clinical or radiological disease activity. NfL was detectable in the majority of breastmilk samples with a median concentration of 1.7 pg/ml (range 0.004-18.1). Conclusion We determined transfer of natalizumab into breastmilk with an RID far below the threshold of concern of 10%. Studies including childhood development assessment are needed in order to gain safety data about natalizumab-exposed breastfeeding. SNfL assessment might be a useful adjunct to monitor silent disease activity and therapeutic response during pregnancy and postpartum period. However, further investigations regarding transient postpartum sNfL increases are required to determine its association to parturition per se or to a silent disease activity in people with multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undine Proschmann
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rocco Haase
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hernan Inojosa
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Akgün
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
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Gelibter S, Pisa M, Croese T, Finardi A, Mandelli A, Sangalli F, Colombo B, Martinelli V, Comi G, Filippi M, Furlan R. Spinal Fluid Myeloid Microvesicles Predict Disease Course in Multiple Sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2021; 90:253-265. [PMID: 34216397 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In vivo measures of myeloid activity are promising biomarkers in multiple sclerosis. We previously demonstrated that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) myeloid microvesicles are markers of microglial/macrophage activity and neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis. Here, we aimed at investigating the diagnostic and prognostic value of myeloid microvesicles in a clinical setting. METHODS Six hundred one patients discharged with a diagnosis of neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, or no neurological disease were enrolled. Myeloid microvesicles were measured with flow cytometry as isolectin B4-positive events in fresh CSF. Clinical, demographical, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected at diagnosis (all patients) and during follow-up (n = 176). RESULTS CSF myeloid microvesicles were elevated in neuroinflammatory patients compared to the neurodegenerative and control groups. In multiple sclerosis, microvesicles were higher in patients with MRI disease activity and their concentration increased along with the number of enhancing lesions (p < 0.0001, Jonckheere-Terpstra test). CSF myeloid microvesicles were also higher in patients with higher disease activity in the month and year preceding diagnosis. Microvesicles excellently discriminated between the relapsing-remitting and control groups (receiver operator characteristic curve, area under the curve = 0.939, p < 0.0001) and between radiologically isolated syndrome and unspecific brain lesions (0.942, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, microvesicles were independent predictors of prognosis for both the relapsing-remitting and progressive groups. Microvesicles independently predicted future disease activity in relapsing-remitting patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.967, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.147-3.372), correcting for prognostic factors of standard clinical use. In the progressive group, microvesicles were independent predictors of disability accrual (HR = 10.767, 95% CI = 1.335-86.812). INTERPRETATION Our results confirm that CSF myeloid microvesicles are a clinically meaningful biomarker of neuroinflammation and microglial/macrophage activity in vivo. These findings may support a possible use in clinical practice during diagnostic workup and prognostic assessment. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:253-265.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gelibter
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Pisa
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Croese
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Annamaria Finardi
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandelli
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Colombo
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurophysiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Almouzain L, Stevenson F, Chard D, Rahman NA, Hamilton F. Switching treatments in clinically stable relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients planning for pregnancy. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2021; 7:20552173211001571. [PMID: 33796332 PMCID: PMC7985951 DOI: 10.1177/20552173211001571] [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: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The decision to have children can be complex, particularly for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). A key concern is the use of disease modifying drugs (DMDs) during pregnancy, and how continuing, stopping or switching them may affect the mother and child. In people with active MS, stopping medications puts the mother at risk of relapse and disease rebound. Objectives Review evidence on the effect of different switching strategies in people with stable relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library up to March 2020. Only papers in English were included and no other limits were applied. Seven articles were included: four cohorts, two case reports and one randomized controlled trial (RCT). Results Two strategies were found: de-escalating, which was associated with an increased risk of relapses, and switching between first line injectables, with no change in relapse rate observed. Conclusion Evidence on the effect of switching strategy on disease course in stable RRMS patients planning for pregnancy is scarce, but when switching, current evidence suggests the risk of relapses mirrors known medication efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Almouzain
- Research Department at Primary Care and Population Health, Institution of Epidemiology, University College of London, London, UK.,Clinical Pharmacy Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fiona Stevenson
- Research Department at Primary Care and Population Health, Institution of Epidemiology, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Declan Chard
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Nur Abdul Rahman
- Research Department at Primary Care and Population Health, Institution of Epidemiology, University College of London, London, UK.,Department of Primary Care Medicine & Medical Education Unit, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Fiona Hamilton
- Research Department at Primary Care and Population Health, Institution of Epidemiology, University College of London, London, UK
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Canibaño B, Deleu D, Mesraoua B, Melikyan G, Ibrahim F, Hanssens Y. Pregnancy-related issues in women with multiple sclerosis: an evidence-based review with practical recommendations. J Drug Assess 2020; 9:20-36. [PMID: 32128285 PMCID: PMC7034025 DOI: 10.1080/21556660.2020.1721507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To review the current evidence regarding pregnancy-related issues in multiple sclerosis (MS) and to provide recommendations specific for each of them. Research design and methods: A systematic review was performed based on a comprehensive literature search. Results: MS has no effect on fertility, pregnancy or fetal outcomes, and pregnancies do not affect the long-term disease course and accumulation of disability. There is a potential risk for relapse after use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists during assisted reproduction techniques. At short-term, pregnancy leads to a reduction of relapses during the third trimester, followed by an increased risk of relapses during the first three months postpartum. Pregnancies in MS are not per se high risk pregnancies, and MS does not influence the mode of delivery or anesthesia unless in the presence of significant disability. MRI is not contraindicated during pregnancy; however, gadolinium contrast media should be avoided whenever possible. It is safe to use pulse dose methylprednisolone infusions to manage acute disabling relapses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, its use during the first trimester of pregnancy is still controversial. Women with MS should be encouraged to breastfeed with a possible favorable effect of exclusive breastfeeding. Disease-modifying drugs can be classified according to their potential for pregnancy-associated risk and impact on fetal outcome. Interferon beta (IFNβ) and glatiramer acetate (GA) may be continued until pregnancy is confirmed and, after consideration of the individual risk-benefit if continued, during pregnancy. The benefit of continuing natalizumab during the entire pregnancy may outweigh the risk of recurring disease activity, particularly in women with highly active MS. GA and IFNβ are considered safe during breastfeeding. The use of natalizumab during pregnancy or lactation requires monitoring of the newborn. Conclusions: This review provides current evidence and recommendations for counseling and management of women with MS preconception, during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Canibaño
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dirk Deleu
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Boulenouar Mesraoua
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gayane Melikyan
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Faiza Ibrahim
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yolande Hanssens
- Clinical Services Unit, Pharmacy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Levin S, Rimmer K, Vargas WS. Neuroimmunologic disorders in pregnancy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 172:105-123. [PMID: 32768083 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64240-0.00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy influences the course of neuroimmunologic conditions, which include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and autoimmune encephalitis. The outcomes differ significantly for each disorder, reflecting the impact of hormonal changes, T-cell subsets, and placental factors on disease pathogenesis. In recent years, numerous data have emerged regarding MS activity throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Historically, the misconception that pregnancy worsens MS outcomes led patients to abstain from childbearing. Now, more women with these disorders, empowered by up-to-date information and better baseline disease control, are choosing to conceive. Nevertheless, the management of MS and related disorders in the pregnancy and postpartum period is complicated and requires a nuanced approach. Since standardized treatment guidelines around pregnancy are currently lacking, neurologists, together with obstetricians, must engage patients in a shared decision-making process that weighs the benefits to the mother and risks to the fetus. This chapter outlines the pathophysiology of neuroimmunologic disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, the impact of these diseases on childbearing, including fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and peurperium, as well as existing recommendations for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Levin
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kathryn Rimmer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wendy S Vargas
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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Berenguer-Ruiz L, Gimenez-Martinez J, Palazón-Bru A, Sempere AP. Relapses and obstetric outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis planning pregnancy. J Neurol 2019; 266:2512-2517. [PMID: 31256279 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of discontinuation of different disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) before pregnancy with respect to the occurrence of relapses and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS Women with multiple sclerosis who desire to bear children were followed prospectively. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and the information on the use of DMTs were collected. A multivariate analysis was used to assess the relationship between relapses and the prior use of different DMTs. RESULTS The present study assessed 75 consecutive pregnancy plans (66 women), 65 of which resulted in pregnancy. The mean age of the participants was 32.1 ± 4.2 years, and the mean disease duration was 6.1 ± 4.2 years. No relapses before pregnancy were reported in the group of women who maintained their DMT until pregnancy confirmation, while 14 relapses were reported in 12/42 women (29%) who discontinued DMT before pregnancy. During pregnancy, patients on natalizumab or fingolimod before pregnancy had a higher rate of relapses. Most women restarted their previous DMT after delivery within the first trimester. The relapse rate in postpartum was 0.07. CONCLUSIONS Disease-modifying therapies received influences the risk of relapse and disease progression from women who are planning pregnancy. The risk of relapse during pregnancy was significantly higher in the group of women treated with natalizumab or fingolimod compared to the group of women treated with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate. The postpartum risk of relapses was lower than that found in previous reports.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Palazón-Bru
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Angel Perez Sempere
- Neurology Service, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, 03010, Alicante, Spain. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
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Fragoso YD, Adoni T, Brooks JBB, Finkelsztejn A, da Gama PD, Grzesiuk AK, Marques VD, Parolin MFK, Sato HK, Varela DL, Vasconcelos CCF. Practical Evidence-Based Recommendations for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Who Want to Have Children. Neurol Ther 2018; 7:207-232. [PMID: 30167914 PMCID: PMC6283793 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-018-0110-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) management presently aims to reach a state of no (or minimal) evidence of disease activity. The development and commercialization of new drugs has led to a renewed interest in family planning, since patients with MS may face a future with reduced (or no) disease-related neurological disability. The advice of neurologists is often sought by patients who want to have children and need to know more about disease control at conception and during pregnancy and the puerperium. When MS is well controlled, the simple withdrawal of drugs for patients who intend to conceive is not an option. On the other hand, not all treatments presently recommended for MS are considered safe during conception, pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. The objective of the present study was to summarize the practical and evidence-based recommendations for family planning when our patients (women and men) have MS.Funding TEVA Pharmaceutical Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarso Adoni
- Hospital Sirio-Libanes de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Henry K Sato
- Instituto de Neurologia de Curitiba, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Das G, Damotte V, Gelfand JM, Bevan C, Cree BAC, Do L, Green AJ, Hauser SL, Bove R. Rituximab before and during pregnancy: A systematic review, and a case series in MS and NMOSD. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2018; 5:e453. [PMID: 29564373 PMCID: PMC5858951 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety of rituximab treatment before and during pregnancy in women with MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) who may be at risk of relapses by performing a systematic literature review combined with a retrospective single-center case series. METHODS Studies were systematically identified in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE using the key terms "pregnancy" and "rituximab"; 22 articles were included for review (>17,000 screened). Then, patients with MS and NMOSD from 1 center (University of California, San Francisco) exposed to rituximab before conception were identified through medical record review. RESULTS Systematic review: We identified 102 pregnancies with rituximab use within 6 months of conception: 78 resulted in live births and 12 in spontaneous abortions. Of 54 live births with reported gestational age, 31 occurred at term (37 weeks+) and 2 before 32 weeks. When checked, B-cell counts were low in 39% of newborns and normalized within 6 months. Case series: we identified 11 pregnancies (1 ongoing) in 10 women (7 MS and 3 NMOSD) treated with rituximab within 6 months of conception. All completed pregnancies resulted in term live births of healthy newborns (1 lost to follow-up at term). No maternal relapses occurred before/during pregnancy; 1 occurred postpartum (NMOSD). CONCLUSION No major safety signal was observed with rituximab use within 6 months of conception. Beyond the need for monitoring neonatal B cells, these observations support prospectively monitoring a larger patient cohort to determine whether rituximab may safely protect women with MS and NMOSD who are planning a pregnancy against relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Das
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Vincent Damotte
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Jeffrey M Gelfand
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Carolyn Bevan
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Bruce A C Cree
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Lynn Do
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Ari J Green
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Stephen L Hauser
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Riley Bove
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for the Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
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