The Neurology of Immune-Mediated Disorders in Women

Abstract

Many neuroinflammatory disorders have a predilection for women; even if there is no female predominance, neuroinflammatory conditions in women pose a management challenge for several reasons. Disease activity of these conditions may change during pregnancy and commonly increases in the postpartum period. Uncontrolled disease activity may affect pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, immunomodulating agents that are used to suppress the disease activity may have a negative impact on fertility, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes, and on infants who are breastfed. Adverse effects of immunosuppressants extend beyond the reproductive issues and may include bone loss, increased risk of cancers, and infectious complications. The successful management of women with these disorders requires that not only practitioners understand and recognize the adverse effects of immunosuppressants, but also seek to prevent adverse outcomes through counseling about contraceptive choices, safety monitoring, risk surveillance, and other strategies.