0000000000172029

AUTHOR

Kerstin Hellwig

Glatiramer acetate during early pregnancy: A prospective cohort study

Background: Only limited data are available on whether glatiramer acetate exposure during pregnancy has an effect on perinatal outcome. Objective: To determine the effect of glatiramer acetate exposure during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis. Methods: We compared the outcome of pregnancies of women with multiple sclerosis exposed to glatiramer acetate with pregnancies unexposed to disease-modifying therapies. Women were enrolled into the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy registry. A standardized questionnaire was administered during pregnancy and postpartum. Detailed information on course of multiple sclerosis and pregnancy, concomitant medications, lab…

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Interferon-beta exposure during first trimester is safe in women with multiple sclerosis-A prospective cohort study from the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry.

Background: Available data suggest that pregnancy exposure to interferon-beta might result in lower mean birth weight and preterm birth. Objective: To determine the effect of interferon-beta exposure during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: We compared the pregnancy outcomes of women exposed to interferon-beta with pregnancies unexposed to disease-modifying therapies. Women were enrolled into the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry. A standardized questionnaire was administered during pregnancy and postpartum. Detailed information on course of multiple sclerosis and pregnancy, concomitant medications, delivery, and outcome of pregnancy was…

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Safety of potential breast milk exposure to IFN-β or glatiramer acetate

ObjectiveTo determine whether potential breast milk exposure to interferon-beta (IFN-β) or glatiramer acetate (GA) is safe for the infant.MethodsWe identified 74 infants born to 69 women with MS who breastfed under IFN-β (n = 39), GA (n = 34), or both (n = 1). Women had been enrolled into the German Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy Registry during pregnancy. Data were obtained from standardized, telephone-administered questionnaires completed by the mother during pregnancy and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum and the infant's take-home medical record.ResultsThe median duration of exposed breastfeeding was 8.5 months (wide interquartile range: 4.9–12.7 months). Physical growth curves dur…

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Tryptophan immunoadsorption during pregnancy and breastfeeding in patients with acute relapse of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

Background: Up to every fourth woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) suffers a clinically relevant relapse during pregnancy. High doses of steroids bear some serious risks, especially within the first trimester of pregnancy. Immunoadsorption (IA) is an effective and more selective treatment option in disabling MS relapse than plasma exchange. Data on the use of IA during pregnancy and breastfeeding are scarce. Methods: In this retrospective multicenter study, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of IA treatment in acute relapses during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The primary outcome parameter - change of acute relapse-related disability after IA…

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