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An overview of pregnancy‐related issues in patients with multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Pozzilli C.,
Pugliatti M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/ene.12797
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , glatiramer acetate , multiple sclerosis , fertility , breastfeeding , disease , adverse effect , obstetrics , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , psychiatry , population , genetics , environmental health , biology
Although pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is not generally considered high risk, there are some associated therapeutic challenges. The pregnancy‐associated reduction in the relapse rate, especially in the third trimester, is followed by a sharp increase in the first few months postpartum. Nevertheless, retrospective evidence for pregnant women with and without MS followed for up to 10 years indicates that pregnancy has no perceptible effect on long‐term disease course or disability progression. Likewise, MS has no apparent effects on the pregnancy course or fetal outcomes. All disease‐modifying therapies ( DMT s) have potential adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes, but the level of risk varies amongst agents. There is some support for continued use of interferon‐β and glatiramer acetate throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of relapse. Use of DMT s during breastfeeding is best avoided if possible. Close evaluation of drug safety information is imperative when managing women with MS who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant. Decision‐making should be a shared experience between patient and physician, and the approach must be individualized for each patient.