Consensus recommendations for family planning and pregnancy in multiple sclerosis in argentina

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2020 Aug:43:102147. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102147. Epub 2020 May 4.

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic immune-mediated neurological disorder in young adults, more frequently found in women than in men. Therefore, pregnancy-related issues have become an object of concern for MS professionals and patients. The aim of this work was to review the existing data to develop the first Argentine consensus for family planning and pregnancy in MS patients.

Methods: A panel of expert neurologists from Argentina engaged in the diagnosis and care of MS patients met both virtually and in person during 2019 to carry out a consensus recommendation for family planning and pregnancy in MS. To achieve consensus, the procedure of the "formal consensus-RAND/UCLA method" was used.

Results: Recommendations were established based on published evidence and expert opinion focusing on pre-pregnancy counseling, pregnancy, and postpartum issues.

Conclusion: The recommendations of these consensus guidelines are intended to optimize the management and treatment of MS patients during their reproductive age in Argentina.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Disease modifying drugs; Multiple sclerosis; Postpartum relapses; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • Consensus
  • Family Planning Services*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / epidemiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / therapy
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Young Adult