Hoevenaren IA, de Vries LC, Rijnders RJ, Lotgering FK.

Acta Neurol Scand. 2011 Jun;123(6):430-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01426.x. Epub 2010 Sep 16.

 In the management of MS, Natalizumab is the first monoclonal antibody approved to the market. However, there is  no data on the  safety of its use in pregnancy. Until Now.

Researchers in The Netherlands have studied 2 pregnant women with MS who use Natalizumab The first patient used it in the periconceptional period ( done during the period from before conception to early pregnancy) and the second patient used it in both the periconceptional period and throughout pregnancy. The antenatal course of the first patient was complicated by an exacerbation of MS. The second patient did not experience MS relapses during pregnancy, while still using Natalizumab. The newborns did not show any abnormalities postnatal and at 6 weeks’ follow-up.

This is the first detailed report on pregnancy and delivery of two babies after maternal treatment of MS with Natalizumab. Further research is needed to establish the exact effects on pregnancy and intrauterine development as well as the long-term effects.

Prenatal counseling with thorough explanation of the risks and careful decision making is advisable.