WCN 2023 | Treating NMOSD during pregnancy

Jodie M. Burton, MD, MSc, FRCPC, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, comments on the current data available regarding the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) during pregnancy. As opposed to multiple sclerosis, NMOSD progression does not slow down as a result of pregnancy. Treatment for NMOSD is therefore still needed during pregnancy and the choice of therapeutic approach taken must be carefully considered. Older agents such as azathioprine and rituximab are often used during pregnancy, as insufficient data have been collected on the use of novel targeted agents (eculizumab, satralizumab, inebilizumab) during this period. Dr Burton highlights that preliminary safety data are relatively reassuring and that these agents will hopefully be available for this patient population in future, provided that patients are closely monitored in order to avoid any complications to mother and fetus. This interview took place at the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) 2023 in Montreal, Canada.

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