Pregnancy outcome in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder treated with rituximab: A case-series study

Abstract

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a neuroinflammatory disorder with a tendency to affect the spinal cord and optic nerves. As NMOSDs have a predilection for women of reproductive age and adopt an aggressive course during pregnancy, appropriate treatment strategies before conception and during pregnancy should be well-considered. Case Presentation: In this report, the pregnancy outcome of eight pregnancies following rituximab treatment was assessed, which led to 50 live births with mean birth weight of 2777.50 (SD: 545.92) grams. Two patients had abortions due to doctor's recommendation. One pregnancy led to intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) due to nuchal cord. No spontaneous abortions were encountered. Two patients received rituximab during pregnancy. No major malformations or serious neonatal infections were encountered. Conclusion: Rituximab should be administered by caution in NMOSD patients who want to be pregnant and the probable adverse effects of the drug should be discussed by patients.