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Fragkoudi A, Rumbold AR, Burke T, Grzeskowiak LE. "A qualitative study of multiple sclerosis specialists' experiences and perspectives in managing family planning in people with multiple sclerosis". Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 82:105409. [PMID: 38176286 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105409] [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] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Managing multiple sclerosis (MS) in people of reproductive age can be challenging as treatment decisions often need to balance efficacy, safety to reproductive health and an understanding of reproductive intentions. There has been limited examination of how family planning (FP) is approached in people with MS (pwMS) in Australia. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of Australian MS clinical specialists on managing FP in the context of MS. METHODS We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with nine neurologists and ten MS nurses across Australia who regularly provide care to pwMS of reproductive age. Interview topics examined current approaches to managing FP, availability of FP resources, and opportunities for improvement. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS Two main themes emerged. First, 'inconsistent approaches in providing family planning', where neurologists and MS nurses recognised FP provision as essential but revealed differences in the content, timing and extent of FP discussions; conflicts between reproductive considerations and DMT prescriptions according to teratogenic risk; and variable implementation of interdisciplinary approaches. Second, 'barriers in providing family planning' emerged which included a lack of local information resources on FP, lack of contemporary data on safety of DMTs, and a range of patient and professional factors, including time constraints. CONCLUSION MS clinical specialists saw FP as an essential part of the care of their patients and expressed a need for information and service provision consistency in order to improve FP and reproductive care to pwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fragkoudi
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Women and Kids Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia.
| | - A R Rumbold
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Women and Kids Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - T Burke
- School of Nursing, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia
| | - L E Grzeskowiak
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia; Women and Kids Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects ~2.5 million people globally. Women of reproductive age are highly susceptible to this disease. This study aims to explore the association between MS and pregnancy. Articles related to the topic under investigation were identified; the search terms included "pregnancy", "multiple sclerosis", "MS", and "women". Only articles published between 2010 and 2020 were included in the review. This review shows that researchers have attempted to explore the link between pregnancy and MS, and the results from previous studies indicate that pregnancy reduces the risk of MS relapse. However, evidence suggesting that pregnancy can affect the long-term progression of MS is lacking. The research results also indicate that MS does not increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications. MS remains a serious autoimmune disorder that affects many women worldwide. The data gathered during this review indicate that a significant correlation exists between pregnancy and MS relapse rates. The findings presented in this review can aid in the management of MS during pregnancy. Furthermore, these research results provide vital insights that caregivers can use to monitor patients with MS during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borros M Arneth
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Universitatsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany
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The Impact of Reproductive Issues on Preferences of Women with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis for Disease-Modifying Treatments. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 13:583-597. [PMID: 32588337 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-020-00429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is an incurable disease characterised by relapses (periods of function loss) followed by full or partial recovery, and potential permanent disability over time. Many disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) exist that help reduce relapses and slow disease progression. Most are contraindicated during conception/pregnancy and some require a discontinuation period before trying to conceive. Although around three-quarters of people with RRMS are women, there is limited knowledge about how reproductive issues impact DMT preference. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to measure the preferences for DMTs of women with RRMS who are considering pregnancy. DESIGN An online discrete choice experiment (DCE). METHODS Participants chose between two hypothetical DMTs characterised by a set of attributes, then indicated if they preferred their choice to no treatment. Attributes were identified from interviews and focus groups with people with RRMS and MS professionals, as well as literature reviews, and included the probability of problems with pregnancy, discontinuation of DMTs, and breastfeeding safety. In each DCE task, participants were asked to imagine making decisions in three scenarios: now; when trying to conceive; and when pregnant. ANALYSIS Two mixed logit models were estimated, one to assess the statistical significance between scenarios and one in maximum acceptable risk space to allow comparison of the magnitudes of parameters between scenarios. SAMPLE Women with RRMS who were considering having a child in the future, recruited from a UK MS patient register. RESULTS Sixty respondents completed the survey. Participants preferred no treatment in 12.6% of choices in the 'now' scenario, rising significantly to 37.6% in the 'trying to conceive' scenario and 60.3% in the 'pregnant' scenario (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.001). This pattern corresponds with results from models that included a no-treatment alternative-specific constant (ASC) capturing differences between taking and not taking a DMT not specified by the attributes. The ASC was lower in the trying to conceive scenario than in the now scenario, and lower still in the pregnant scenario, indicating an intrinsic preference for no treatment. Participants also placed relatively less preference on reducing relapses and avoiding disease progression in the trying to conceive and pregnant scenarios compared with a lower risk of problems with pregnancy. In the trying to conceive scenario, participants' preference for treatments with shorter washout periods increased. CONCLUSION Women with RRMS considering having a child prefer DMTs with more favourable reproduction-related attributes, even when not trying to conceive. Reproductive issues also influenced preferences for DMT attributes not directly related to pregnancy, with preferences dependent on the life circumstances in which choices were made. The design of the DCE highlights the benefits of considering the scenario in which participants make choices, as they may change over time.
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Alonso R, Patrucco L, Silva B, Quarracino C, Eizaguirre MB, Vrech C, López P, Carnero Contentti E, Deri N, Carrá A, Chercorff A, Tkachuk V, Balbuena ME, Pettinicchi JP, Tavolini D, Barboza A, Rojas JI, Cristiano E, Lázaro L, Garcea O, Fernández Liguori N. Family planning in Argentinian women with multiple sclerosis: An important yet seldom approached issue. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2021; 7:20552173211025312. [PMID: 34211724 PMCID: PMC8216353 DOI: 10.1177/20552173211025312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to assess family planning (FP) among women with multiple sclerosis (WwMS). Methods We invited 604 WwMS to answer a survey focused on FP: a) Temporal relationship between pregnancy and the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis; b) History of FP; c) Childbearing desire; d) Information on family planning. Comparisons between pregnancy and not pregnancy after MS, as well as, planned and unplanned pregnancy were analyzed. Multivariate and univariate analyses were used to assess the impact of independent variables and FP Result 428 (71.7%) WwMS completed the survey. A 19.1% got pregnant after MS diagnosis and we evaluated FP in the last pregnancy, 56.1% patients had a planned pregnancy. Professional addressing FP (OR = 0.27, 95%-CI 0.08-0.92, p = 0.03) and non-injection drug treatment before pregnancy (OR = 2.88, 95%-CI 1.01-8.21, p = 0.047) were independent predictors of unplanned pregnancy in our multivariate model. Among WwMS ≤ 40 years, 48.7% had future childbearing desire. Young age (p < 0.001), PDDS <3 (p = 0.018), disease duration <5 years (p = 0.02), not childbearing before MS diagnosis (p < 0.001) and neurologist addressing family planning (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with childbearing desire. Conclusions This research highlights that pregnancy remains an important concern among WwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Alonso
- Servicio de Neurología, Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Patrucco
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Berenice Silva
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Dr. J. M. Ramos Mejía, Facultad de Medicina - UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Quarracino
- Servicio de Neurología. Instituto Alfredo Lanari, Hospital Universitario, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Barbara Eizaguirre
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Dr. J. M. Ramos Mejía, Facultad de Medicina - UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Vrech
- Departamento de Enfermedades desmielinizantes, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pablo López
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Norma Deri
- Centro de Investigaciones Diabaid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Carrá
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Hospital Británico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aníbal Chercorff
- Sección de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Hospital Británico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Tkachuk
- Sección de Esclerosis Múltiple y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Balbuena
- Sección de Esclerosis Múltiple y Enfermedades Desmielinizantes, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Pettinicchi
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Juan I Rojas
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edgardo Cristiano
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Lázaro
- Servicio de Neurología, Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Orlando Garcea
- Centro Universitario de Esclerosis Múltiple, Hospital Dr. J. M. Ramos Mejía, Facultad de Medicina - UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora Fernández Liguori
- Servicio de Neurología, Sanatorio Güemes, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Servicio de Neurología. Hospital Enrique Tornú, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Coyle PK, Oh J, Magyari M, Oreja-Guevara C, Houtchens M. Management strategies for female patients of reproductive potential with multiple sclerosis: An evidence-based review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 32:54-63. [PMID: 31030020 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating, neurodegenerative, immune-mediated disease primarily diagnosed in early adulthood. Multiple sclerosis mostly impacts women of reproductive potential, with pregnancy and birth outcomes being major concerns for many patients. While there is ample evidence that the disease itself has no impact on pregnancy, many women living with MS still question their ability to have children, and the impact of childbearing on their disease in the short and long term. Such questions emphasize the importance of proper guidance from healthcare professionals, particularly neurologists. Management considerations are also complicated by the growing list of available treatment options. This review will summarize current evidence and expert opinion around the management of female MS patients of reproductive potential, from family planning to the postpartum period. Current guidelines on the use of disease-modifying therapies throughout pregnancy will be discussed, as well as other general medical recommendations, to minimize MS disease activity in the peripartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia K Coyle
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Jiwon Oh
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melinda Magyari
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Celia Oreja-Guevara
- Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Houtchens
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Brookline, MA, USA
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Kürtüncü M, Tuncer A, Uygunoğlu U, Çalişkan Z, Paksoy AK, Efendı H, Kocaman AS, Özcan C, Terzı M, Turan ÖF, Saıp S, Karabudak R, Sıva A. Differences Between General Neurologists and Multiple Sclerosis Specialists in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A National Survey. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2017; 56:269-272. [PMID: 31903035 DOI: 10.5152/npa.2017.19387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The management of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more complicated after the introduction of new diagnostic and treatment options. Despite the abundance of guidelines, the experience of physicians still plays a major role in the management of patients. This study aimed to define differences in behavior patterns between general neurologists (GNs) and MS specialists (MSSs). Methods We conducted a survey of 36 questions to 318 neurologists, including 33 MSSs. The survey covered topics including laboratory investigations, pregnancy, and treatment. Results Our study found many differences between GNs and MSSs in terms of management, the most important being treatment initiation and switching. GNs had a tendency to initiate treatment later than MSSs however, they tended to switch treatment faster. Our study also showed that GNs ordered magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more frequently than MSSs, even if patients were clinically stable. Moreover, although GNs more frequently relied on MRI, they did not consider brain atrophy as an important measure in the follow-up of their patients. Furthermore, GNs considered replacement therapy less often than MSSs, even in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Discussion Our study revealed important discrepancies between the management patterns of GNs and MSSs in MS patients. These findings suggest the need for a national education program for GNs on MSSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Kürtüncü
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslı Tuncer
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Uğur Uygunoğlu
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Hüsnü Efendı
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Sağduyu Kocaman
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemal Özcan
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Murat Terzı
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Turan
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sabahattin Saıp
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rana Karabudak
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aksel Sıva
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
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Coyle PK. Management of women with multiple sclerosis through pregnancy and after childbirth. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2016; 9:198-210. [PMID: 27134675 DOI: 10.1177/1756285616631897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major acquired neurologic disease of young adults. The prototypic patient is a young woman of reproductive age. Gender preference is becoming more pronounced, since MS is increasing specifically among women. Any healthcare provider who deals with MS must be prepared to discuss pregnancy issues, and provide appropriate counseling. This is now complicated by the availability of multiple treatment options. There is growing literature on which to base recommendations, particularly regarding washout periods. After a brief background introduction, this review will discuss state-of-the-art family planning counseling in the treatment era, divided into prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum MS issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia K Coyle
- Dept. of Neurology HSC, T12 Stony Brook University Medical Center Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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Borisow N, Paul F, Dörr J. Optimal management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: current perspectives. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2014; 4:111-120. [PMID: 32669905 PMCID: PMC7337198 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s48618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. It frequently affects females in their reproductive phase of life. Therefore, family planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are important issues in the management of MS, particularly with respect to counseling and drug treatment. This paper reviews currently available data on the outcome of pregnancies in MS patients and the influence of pregnancy on the course of the disease. We give an update on the use of various disease-modifying MS drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition to established therapies such as interferon-β, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and fingolimod, we also discuss the state of knowledge about new agents such as dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, and alemtuzumab in the context of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Borisow
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental Research Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental Research Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Dörr
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental Research Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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