Author/Authors :
Seyed Ahadi, Maral Multiple Sclerosis Research Center - Neuroscience Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Sahraian, Mohammad Ali Multiple Sclerosis Research Center - Neuroscience Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Shaygannejad, Vahid Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan , Anjidani, Nassim Medical Department - Orchid Pharmed Company, Tehran , Mohammadiani Neja, Ehsan Department of Neurology - Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz , Beladi Moghadam, Nahid Department of Neurology - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Ayromlou, Hormoz Department of Neurology - Faculty of Medicine - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, , Yousefi Pour, Gholam Ali Department of Neurology - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz , Yazdanbakhs, Sepideh Multiple Sclerosis Research Center - Neuroscience Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Jafari, Mehrdad Imam Khomeini Hospital complex - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Naser Moghadasi, Abdorreza Multiple Sclerosis Research Center - Neuroscience Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran
Abstract :
Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a neuroinflammatory disorder
with a tendency to affect the spinal cord and optic nerves. As NMOSDs have a predilection for women
of reproductive age and adopt an aggressive course during pregnancy, appropriate treatment strategies
before conception and during pregnancy should be well-considered.
Case Presentation: In this report, the pregnancy outcome of eight pregnancies following rituximab
treatment was assessed, which led to 50% live births with mean birth weight of 2777.50 (SD: 545.92)
grams. Two patients had abortions due to doctor’s recommendation. One pregnancy led to intrauterine
fetal death (IUFD) due to nuchal cord. No spontaneous abortions were encountered. Two patients
received rituximab during pregnancy. No major malformations or serious neonatal infections were
encountered.
Conclusion: Rituximab should be administered by caution in NMOSD patients who want to be
pregnant and the probable adverse effects of the drug should be discussed by patients.
