[Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy. Overview and status of the European multicenter PRIMS study]

This work summarizes the design and state of recruitment of the European multicentre prospective PRIMS (PRegnancy In Multiple Sclerosis) project on the relationship between pregnancy and multiple sclerosis. Relapse rate, long-term effects, influence of delivery and breastfeeding as well as immunomodulation during pregnancy and puerperium are reviewed. The results suggest an increase in relapse rate during the first 3 months of puerperium with an equal or lessened risk during the 9 months of pregnancy. Overall, long-term disability seems not to be increased. The mode of delivery or breast-feeding has no adverse effects on the course of the disease. Immunological phenomena during pregnancy do not correlate to the altered course of MS.