Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
09:29
Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
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Neuromyelitis optica and pregnancy-puerperal cycle
Nayra Roberta Sales Salvador1, Maria De Nazareth Gamboa Brito1, Marcos Papais Alvarenga1
1Avenida pio XII 453, Maceió, Brazil.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|June 23, 2019
Summary
Pregnancy can worsen neuromyelitis optica (NMO) relapses and disability postpartum, particularly in the first three months. However, gestational loss is not more frequent in NMO patients compared to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is linked to Th2 immunity.
- Pregnancy may increase NMO relapses and risk of gestational loss due to aquaporin 4 in placental tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the postpartum period on the clinical course of NMO.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of women diagnosed with NMO post-conception.
- Collected data on relapse rates, EDSS scores, and gestational complications before, during, and after pregnancy via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 19 women experienced 30 pregnancies; only 8 had no relapses within 1 year postpartum.
- Relapse rates significantly increased postpartum, especially within 3 months, compared to pre-pregnancy rates.
- Pregnancy was associated with increased functional disability (EDSS scores).
- Miscarriage rates did not differ from the general population.
Conclusions:
- The postpartum period presents a high risk for NMO relapses and increased disability.
- Prophylactic treatments like immunosuppressants or immunoglobulin may reduce postpartum relapses.
- NMO does not appear to increase the risk of miscarriage.
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