ACTRIMS 2022 | Assessing risk of relapse in women with MS undergoing assisted reproductive technologies

Edith Graham, MD, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, discusses the impact of continuing disease modifying therapy (DMT) during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Past observations have noted a substantial increase in relapse rate after in vitro fertilization in women with MS. However, results to date have been variable, with no clear consensus elucidated. To address this, a retrospective, multicenter study of 37 women with MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) was conducted to assess relapse risk after ART. A total of 19 women were on DMT, of whom 10 continued their treatment throughout hormonal stimulation. The study showed that 13% of patients experienced a relapse after ART, none of whom had received DMT in the preceding 12 months. Overall, these data suggest that the use of DMT may be protective against relapse during ART. Dr Graham comments on plans for further study in this area. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.