An increased rate of spontaneous abortions compared with other MS patients was suggested in an observational study.
Women taking natalizumab for multiple sclerosis (MS) who plan to become pregnant require counseling on options to discontinue therapy safely (NEJM JW Neurol Apr 2018 and Neurology 2018 Feb 7; [e-pub]). The decision should be based on potential risks for the woman, along with risks for the baby. This multicenter study tracked 92 pregnancies in 83 women taking natalizumab, compared with 406 pregnancies in 398 women with MS who were either untreated or taking interferon.
Spontaneous abortions (SA) occurred in 17.4% on natalizumab, 8.0% on interferon, and 6.5% for those untreated. Natalizumab exposure was associated with a significantly higher risk for SA (odds ratio, 3.9), compared with exposure to interferon or nothing. However, the rate of SA…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics
Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics
Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)