Maternal multiple sclerosis is not a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Childhood neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning disorders (SLD), are linked to maternal autoimmunity.
• Investigating maternal immune-mediated conditions during pregnancy is crucial for understanding NDD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if maternal multiple sclerosis (MS) is a risk factor for NDDs in offspring.
• To explore the association between maternal autoimmune diseases and NDDs in children.

Main Methods:

• Questionnaires were used to collect data on NDD diagnoses in children of mothers with MS and control mothers.
• Family history of autoimmune and neurodevelopmental disorders was ascertained.
• Suspected NDD cases underwent evaluation for diagnosis confirmation.

Main Results:

• Of 361 children born to mothers with MS, 7.5% were diagnosed with NDDs (67% SLD, 22% ASD, 11% ADHD).
• NDD risk in offspring was associated with a family history of autoimmunity and NDDs in both MS and control mothers.
• Maternal MS itself was not found to be associated with an increased risk of NDDs in children.

Conclusions:

• Maternal multiple sclerosis (MS) does not appear to predispose children to a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
• The organ-specific nature of MS may explain why it does not affect fetal neurodevelopment.
• Further research into the mechanisms underlying maternal autoimmunity and NDDs is warranted.