Disease reactivation after fingolimod cessation in Multiple Sclerosis patients with pregnancy desire: A retrospective study

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Oct:66:104066. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104066. Epub 2022 Jul 22.

Abstract

Reactivation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) activity has been described after fingolimod cessation. Because of its contra indication during pregnancy, switch towards lower efficacy treatments are frequent in MS patients with childbearing desire but expose them to a risk of disease reactivation. In this retrospective study including 44 women with MS, a significant increase of the median annualized relapse rate was found in the year following fingolimod discontinuation compared to the period before (p < 0.0001), and 57% of women experienced at least one relapse. When considering to start fingolimod, particular attention should be paid to women with a short-term pregnancy desire.

Keywords: Fingolimod-disease reactivation; Multiple Sclerosis; Pregnancy desire.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / chemically induced
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting* / chemically induced
  • Pregnancy
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride