Course of neuromyelitis optica during inadvertent pregnancy in a patient treated with rituximab

Mult Scler. 2009 Aug;15(8):1006-8. doi: 10.1177/1352458509106512.

Abstract

In neuromyelitis optica (NMO), the monoclonal B-cell antibody rituximab is a therapeutic option. Little is known about the course of NMO and the safety of rituximab during pregnancy. In this study, we report the clinical course of a patient with NMO after application of rituximab 1 week before inadvertent conception. Mother and child did not experience any adverse event, and the postpartum development of the baby was completely normal up to 15 months. Clinical course of NMO was stable during the entire pregnancy. This case illustrates a favorable outcome in a pregnant NMO patient and her child after therapy with rituximab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Live Birth
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Unplanned*
  • Recurrence
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab