Risks and outcomes of pregnancy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A comprehensive review

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Abstract

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare central nervous system autoimmune disease. Aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) is present in over 75% of cases and criteria also exist for the diagnosis of seronegative NMOSD. AQP4-IgG NMOSD has a strong female predominance (9:1 ratio), with a median onset age of 40 years. Pregnancy in those with NMOSD is therefore an important topic. Fecundity in NMOSD is likely impaired, and for females who conceive, obstetric complications including miscarriages and pre-eclampsia are significantly higher in NMOSD compared to the general population and in related conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). In contrast to MS, NMOSD disease activity does not subside during pregnancy. Also, relapse risk substantially rises above pre-pregnancy rates in the early postpartum period. In view of the evolving landscape of NMOSD, we provide a contemporary update of the impacts of pregnancy in NMOSD.

Original languageEnglish
Article number103499
Number of pages7
JournalAutoimmunity Reviews
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2024

Keywords

  • Foetal outcomes
  • Maternal risks
  • NMOSD
  • Obstetrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Relapses

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