Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system that mainly affect women. In some of these patients NMOSD occurs during fertile age. For this reason, treating physicians may be confronted with questions concerning family planning, pregnancy and birth.
Objective: This study provides an overview on the influence of NMOSD on fertility, pregnancy complications and pregnancy outcome. The effect of pregnancy on NMOSD course and therapy options during pregnancy are discussed.
Material and methods: A search of the current literature was carried out using the PubMed database.
Results and conclusion: Animal studies have shown lower fertility rates in NMOSD; however, studies investigating fertility in NMOSD patients are lacking. Pregnancy in NMOSD patients are associated with an increase in postpartum disease activity and a higher grade of disability after pregnancy. Some studies showed higher risks of pregnancy complications e. g. spontaneous abortions and preeclampsia. With a few limitations, acute relapses during pregnancy can be treated with methylprednisolone and/or plasma exchange/immunoadsorption. Stopping or continuing immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine or rituximab during pregnancy should be critically weighed considering previous and current disease activity. Therefore, a joint supervision by a specialized center is recommended, particularly in specific situations such as pregnancy.
Keywords: Fertility; Immunosuppressive therapy; Methylprednisolone; Postpartum disease activity; Pregnancy complications.