Knowledge, concerns and experiences regarding family planning and pregnancy in NMOSD: A cross-sectional study from

Edgar Carnero Contentti1, Ricardo Alonso2, Verónica Tkachuk3

  • 1Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Aleman, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Center for Neuroimmunological Diseases in Rosario (CENRos), Neuroimmunology Clinic, Instituto de Neurología Cognitiva (INECO) Neurociencias Oroño, Rosario, Argentina.

We aimed to examine family planning (FP) experience and knowledge in NMOSD patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a web-based survey, addressing FP, pregnancy experiences before and after NMOSD diagnosis, unplanned pregnancies, neurologist advice, and perception of pregnancy. Of 105 participants, 55.2 % never discussing pregnancy with their neurologist, 30.8 % expressed a desire for pregnancy post-diagnosis, but only 7.6 % adjusted treatment. Unplanned pregnancies were common, and 11.4 % were advised against pregnancy. Relapses remained considerable (33.3 %), and miscarriages occurred in pre- and post-diagnosis pregnancies. FP remains insufficiently addressed in clinical settings, but it is essential to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes.

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