Gender issues of antibody-mediated diseases in neurology: (NMOSD/autoimmune encephalitis/MG)
Ayse Altintas1, Justina Dargvainiene2, Christiane Schneider-Gold3
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), autoimmune encephalitis (AE), myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) are antibody-mediated neurological diseases. They have mostly female predominance, affecting many women during childbearing age. Interactions between the underlying disease (or necessary treatment) and pregnancy can occur in every of these illnesses. Herein, we present the characteristics of NMOSD, AE, MG and LEMS in general, and review published data regarding the influence of the different diseases on fertility, pregnancy, puerperium, treatment strategy during pregnancy and post-partum period, and menopause but also male factors. We summarise key elements that should be borne in mind when confronted with such cases.
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