Natalizumab treatment during pregnancy - effects on the neonatal immune system

Expected impact of immunomodulatory agents during pregnancy: A newborn's perspective

The neonatal immune ontogeny begins during pregnancy to ensure that the neonate is well-suited for perinatal life. It prioritizes Th2/M2 and regulatory responses over Th/M1 activity to avoid excessive inflammatory responses and to ensure immune tolerance and homeostasis. Newborns also present increased Th17/Th22 responses providing effective anti-fungal immunity and mucosal protection. Intrauterine exposure to immune modulatory drugs with the placental transfer may influence the natural course of the fetal immune development. The vertical transfer of both biological therapy and small molecules begins during the first trimester through neonatal Fc receptor or placental diffusion, respectively, reaching its maximum transfer potential during the third trimester of pregnancy. Most of the biological therapy have a prolonged half-life in newborn's blood, being detectable in infants up to 12 months after birth (usually 6-9 months). The use of immunomodulators during pregnancy is gaining global interest. Current evidence mainly reports birth-related outcomes without exhaustive analysis of the on-target side effect on the perinatal immune system ontogeny, the infection risk, or the immune dysregulation. The present review will focus on: (1) the main characteristics of the perinatal immune system to understand its specific features and vulnerabilities to immune modulation; (2) the mechanisms of placental transfer of immunomodulators; and (3) the immune changes reported to date in newborns exposed to immunomodulators with emphasis on the current concerns and gaps in knowledge.

Erythropoietin therapy in a case of neonatal anemia after exposure to natalizumab throughout pregnancy

Background

Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. According to the current clinical recommendations, its use during pregnancy should be carefully evaluated only in women with highly active disease who plan a pregnancy or have an unplanned pregnancy, after accurate counseling about eventual maternal disease relapse due to therapy suspension.

Case presentation

This brief case report describes a case of documented anemia that we observed in a newborn whose mother with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis was treated with an extended dosing protocol of natalizumab throughout pregnancy. The newborn received the infusion of erythropoietin every seven days from the fortieth day of life; subsequently, the status of anemia underwent clinical resolution.

Conclusions

This case report confirmed that natalizumab can cause disorders of hematopoiesis, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, or pancytopenia, in newborns of patients treated during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team, including experienced pediatricians and pediatric hematologists, has a critical role in managing newborns delivered by women, being treated with natalizumab for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis during pregnancy.

The Potential Preventive Effect of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding on Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous system of young adults and their quality of life. Several studies have investigated the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS. However, the evidence regarding the influence of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS is still accumulating. This review aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS.

SUMMARY

A systematic electronic literature search of the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to determine relevant published articles. The eligible studies were summarized and evaluated in tables. Key Messages: The majority of the studies indicated that pregnancy appears to lower the rate of MS relapses, particularly in the third trimester. The evidence regarding the effect of breastfeeding on MS remains inconsistent. Despite reports of negative obstetric outcomes in some pregnant women with MS, pregnancies in women with MS should not be categorized as high-risk pregnancies.

Maintenance of natalizumab during the first trimester of pregnancy in active multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Planning pregnancy in patients with active multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly challenging because treatment withdrawn may be associated with dramatic disease reactivation.

OBJECTIVE

To compare two strategies for women with active MS who were planning pregnancy: stopping natalizumab (1) at the end of the first trimester and (2) at conception.

METHODS

Standardized strategy for women with active MS was initiated in our department. Maintenance of natalizumab until the end of first trimester was recommended ("secured first trimester" (SFT)). When patients refused, they were advised to continue until conception ("secured conception" (SC)). Predictors of disease activity during pregnancy were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-six pregnancies were prospectively followed (30 with SFT and 16 with SC). One congenital anomaly occurred in the SC group. The proportions of patients with relapse and disability progression during pregnancy were lower in the SFT than in the SC group (3.6% vs 38.5%, p < 0.005 and 3.6% vs 30.8%, p < 0.05, respectively). Predictors of relapse and disability progression during pregnancy were the time when natalizumab was stopped (conception vs end of first trimester) and the number of relapses during the year before natalizumab.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining natalizumab during the first trimester may reduce the risk of disease reactivation during pregnancy in patients with active MS.

In utero exposure to biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and effects to the infant: infectious complications, vaccine response, and safety of live vaccine administration

INTRODUCTION

Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDS) are increasingly used in clinical practice for a variety of conditions. Due to concerns surrounding persistence of drug levels and resulting immunosuppression, current case reports recommend against live vaccine administration in the first year of life for an infant exposed to perinatal bDMARDS. As a result, this significantly impacts receipt of rotavirus vaccination, a vaccine recommended in many countries' national immunization program. Area covered: We have reviewed all available published literature to explore the effect of peripartum bDMARDS exposure on infant immune responses, safety of live vaccines, and vaccine efficacy in the first year of life. Expert opinion: We recommend that otherwise healthy newborns with a history of perinatal exposure to bDMARDS should receive rotavirus vaccinations as per the recommended schedule. Bacille Calmette et Guerin vaccine should be withheld in the first year of life. No additional booster doses of inactivated vaccines are required as they appear to mount adequate immune responses to the routine schedule.

From mother to baby: antenatal exposure to monoclonal antibody biologics

INTRODUCTION

More women with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are being treated with monoclonal antibody biologics (mAbs) during their pregnancy, to maintain clinical remission. The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents in pregnancy appears to be safe but less is known regarding other mAbs, such as anti-integrins and anti-cytokine agents. There are currently no comprehensive guidelines on how to manage the exposed infants. Areas covered: We review recent literature to assess the impact of mAbs on birth and early infant outcomes, including what is currently known about maternal and infant drug levels at birth and drug clearance in the infant. We describe the potential risks of infections and reported hematological and immunological effects of antenatal mAbs exposure on the infant and provide guidance on the management of the exposed infant. Expert opinion: Exposed infants should be monitored closely. Certain mAb exposures require specific testing and management. Safety monitoring should be done in a multidisciplinary approach and should include pediatric care providers. The current clinical experience with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents in pregnancy cannot be extrapolated to other mAbs. Long-term observational studies and a multicenter international registry are needed to better appreciate the impact of exposure, especially to newer mAbs.

Practical Evidence-Based Recommendations for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Who Want to Have Children

Multiple sclerosis (MS) management presently aims to reach a state of no (or minimal) evidence of disease activity. The development and commercialization of new drugs has led to a renewed interest in family planning, since patients with MS may face a future with reduced (or no) disease-related neurological disability. The advice of neurologists is often sought by patients who want to have children and need to know more about disease control at conception and during pregnancy and the puerperium. When MS is well controlled, the simple withdrawal of drugs for patients who intend to conceive is not an option. On the other hand, not all treatments presently recommended for MS are considered safe during conception, pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. The objective of the present study was to summarize the practical and evidence-based recommendations for family planning when our patients (women and men) have MS.Funding TEVA Pharmaceutical Brazil.

Pregnancy decision-making in women with multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab: I: Fetal risks

OBJECTIVE

To assess fetal risk after pregnancy exposure to natalizumab in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), with a specific focus on spontaneous abortion (SA) and congenital anomalies (CA).

METHODS

Data of all pregnancies occurring between 2009 and 2015 in patients with MS treated with natalizumab and referring to 19 participating sites were collected and compared with those of pregnancies in untreated patients and patients treated with injectable immunomodulatory agents. Rates of SA and CA were also compared with those reported in the Italian population. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 92 pregnancies were tracked in 83 women. In the multivariable analysis, natalizumab exposure was associated with SA (odds ratio [OR] 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-8.5, p < 0.001). However, the rate of SA (17.4%) was within the estimates for the general population, as well as the rate of major CA (3.7%). Moreover, exposure to natalizumab and interferon-β (IFN-β) was associated with lower length and weight of the babies (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that natalizumab exposure to up 12 weeks of gestation is associated with an increased risk of SA, although within the limits expected in the general population, whereas the risk of CA needs further investigation. Taking into account the high risk of disease reactivation after natalizumab suspension, pregnancy could be planned continuing natalizumab while strictly monitoring conception.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that in women with MS, natalizumab exposure increases the risk of spontaneous abortion as compared to IFN-β-exposed or untreated patients (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.9-8.5).

Natalizumab during pregnancy and lactation

BACKGROUND

Managing medication during pregnancy and lactation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients needs to balance potential risks to the newborn with the substantial risks of ongoing disease activity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential transfer of natalizumab (NAT) into breast milk and into the serum of newborn babies in women who continued NAT treatment during pregnancy and lactation.

METHODS

Serum samples of 11 mother-infant pairs and mother milk samples of a further 4 women were analyzed for free NAT using a HL60 cell-based fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) assay. Two mother-baby pairs were analyzed for cell-bound NAT, very-late-antigen (VLA)-4 expression, and saturation with NAT on immune cells by FACS analysis.

RESULTS

In the majority of the mother-infant serum pairs (6/11) and in all breast milk samples, free NAT was detectable. Cell-bound NAT was measurable in both mother-baby pairs with significant higher levels in babies. VLA-4 expression seems to be higher in newborns. Saturation with NAT was comparable between newborns and mothers.

CONCLUSION

NAT can pass placental barrier before delivery and into breast milk. Measurable NAT on neonatal lymphocytes may have functional impact. Further investigations are needed to clarify safety and risk of NAT exposure during pregnancy and lactation.

Understanding the Cautions and Contraindications of Immunomodulator and Biologic Therapies for Use in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases for which there are no cures. These diseases are immunopathogenic, and medical treatment is centered on the temperance of a dysregulated immune response to allow mucosal healing and prevent the sequelae of fistulation and stenosis. Accordingly, the armamentarium of medications, which has expanded immensely in recent history, is not without significant infectious and neoplastic risks. Many of these untoward effects can be mitigated by screening and avoidance of contraindicated medications. This review seeks to highlight the cautions for use of immunomodulators, anticytokine, and α4-integrin antagonists. The potential adverse events are further complicated by substantial heterogeneity in disease phenotype in the inflammatory bowel disease population. Large patient registries and databases provide considerable experience and knowledge to calculate the incidence of safety outcomes. To identify rarer outcomes after prolonged therapy, more prospective studies and continued adverse event reporting will aid safe application and minimize potential harms.

Natalizumab in Multiple Sclerosis: Long-Term Management

Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody highly effective in the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Despite its effectiveness, there are growing concerns regarding the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a brain infection caused by John Cunningham virus (JCV), particularly after 24 doses and in patients who previously received immunosuppressive drugs. Long-term natalizumab treated, immunosuppressive-pretreated, and JCV antibody-positive patients are asked to rediscuss natalizumab continuation or withdrawal after 24 doses. Until now, there has not been a clear strategy that should be followed to avoid PML risk and in parallel reduce clinical and radiological rebound activity. In this review, we analyzed the results of clinical trials and case reports in relation to the following situations: natalizumab continuation, natalizumab discontinuation followed by full therapeutic suspension or switch to other first or second line MS treatments. Quitting all MS treatment after natalizumab increases MS activity occurrence. The results regarding the therapeutic switch are not homogeneous, so at the moment there are no established guidelines regarding natalizumab treatment after 24 administrations; the choice is currently based on the professional experience of the neurologist, and on patients' clinical features and preferences.

Drug Safety and Risk of Adverse Outcomes for Pregnant Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The management of the pregnant patient with inflammatory bowel disease is complicated by multiple providers, misinformation, and a disease entity that, particularly when active, can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. This article seeks to frame the debate on medication safety in pregnancy and lactation using the US Food and Drug Administration's new Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule and the most up-to-date safety information to discuss the risks and benefits of using each class of inflammatory bowel disease medication.

Natalizumab treatment of multiple sclerosis: new insights

Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the α4 chain of the very late activating antigen 4 and α4β7 integrins, present on the leukocytes surface, used as monotherapy for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It substantially reduces relapse rate and the accumulation of disability, but its use is associated with a very adverse event, that is the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a fatal demyelinating disease of the CNS, due to the lytic replication of the human polyomavirus JC. The main focus of the review is to describe the newest insights on natalizumab, its current use in the clinical practice, the natalizumab-treated patients' management and the risk stratification related to the progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy development.

Pregnancy and the Use of Disease-Modifying Therapies in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Benefits versus Risks

The burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women of childbearing potential is increasing, with peak incidence around the age of 30 years, increasing incidence and prevalence, and growing female : male ratio. Guidelines recommend early use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which are contraindicated or recommended with considerable caution, during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe them for a woman who is/is planning to be pregnant. Interferons are not absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy, since interferon-β appears to lack serious adverse effects in pregnancy, despite a warning in its labelling concerning risk of spontaneous abortion. Glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and alemtuzumab also may not induce adverse pregnancy outcomes, although natalizumab may induce haematologic abnormalities in newborns. An accelerated elimination procedure is needed for teriflunomide if pregnancy occurs on treatment or if pregnancy is planned. Current evidence supports the contraindication for fingolimod during pregnancy; data on other DMTs remains limited. Increased relapse rates following withdrawal of some DMTs in pregnancy are concerning and require further research. The postpartum period brings increased risk of disease reactivation that needs to be carefully addressed through effective communication between treating physicians and mothers intending to breastfeed. We address the potential for use of the first- and second-line DMTs in pregnancy and lactation.

Management of women with multiple sclerosis through pregnancy and after childbirth

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major acquired neurologic disease of young adults. The prototypic patient is a young woman of reproductive age. Gender preference is becoming more pronounced, since MS is increasing specifically among women. Any healthcare provider who deals with MS must be prepared to discuss pregnancy issues, and provide appropriate counseling. This is now complicated by the availability of multiple treatment options. There is growing literature on which to base recommendations, particularly regarding washout periods. After a brief background introduction, this review will discuss state-of-the-art family planning counseling in the treatment era, divided into prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum MS issues.

Use of Immunomodulators and Biologics Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Immunomodulators and biologic medications, alone or in combination, form the core therapeutic strategy for managing moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD incidence peaks during the prime reproductive years, raising concerns about the impact of disease and its treatment on fertility, maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, breastfeeding safety, and childhood development. Although IBD increases risk of pregnancy complications independent of disease activity, adverse pregnancy outcomes are more common when disease is active. To mitigate fetal risk, women should conceive while disease is quiescent. Aside from methotrexate, immunomodulators and biologics may be used during pregnancy to achieve and maintain disease control. Based on available safety data, there is no increased risk of congenital anomalies among infants exposed to these medications. Active thiopurine metabolites and most monoclonal antibodies cross the placenta and are detectable in neonates. They are detectable in breast milk in minute levels as well. The impact of this exposure on neonatal outcomes is discussed. Adjusted dosing schedules during gestation may reduce fetal drug exposure, though the maternal risks of such manipulation require careful consideration. Ongoing prospective studies will further inform risk assessment, including for newer medications such as the anti-integrin agents.

Natalizumab discontinuation and disease restart in pregnancy: a case series

BACKGROUND

The humanized monoclonal alpha4-integrin antibody Natalizumab (NTZ) (Tysabri(©) , Biogen Idec, Cambridge, MA, USA) has shown to be effective in multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy; however, the interruption of the drug has been related to a disease restart. This risk has to be carefully considered in case of accidental or desired pregnancies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To report the risk of disease restart in patients who interrupted NTZ because of pregnancy and discuss the implication of NTZ choice in female childbearing patients with MS.

METHODS

Clinical histories and MRI images of four pregnant women with MS who interrupted NTZ.

RESULTS

Despite pregnancy is usually related with disease stability, the cases presented here showed an abrupt increase of disability with high number of MRI lesions, some of them with a mass effect.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend that female patients on childbearing age must be informed before starting NTZ treatment of the risk of a return of disease activity when the drug is discontinued. The risk occurs even during pregnancy a condition that is considered as protective for women with MS.

Fertility, pregnancy and childbirth in patients with multiple sclerosis: impact of disease-modifying drugs

In recent decades, pregnancy-related issues in multiple sclerosis (MS) have received growing interest. MS is more frequent in women than in men and typically starts during child-bearing age. An increasing number of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) for the treatment of MS are becoming available. Gathering information on their influences on pregnancy-related issues is of crucial importance for the counselling of MS patients. As for the immunomodulatory drugs (interferons and glatiramer acetate), accumulating evidence points to the relative safety of pregnancy exposure in terms of maternal and foetal outcomes. In case of higher clinical disease activity before pregnancy, these drugs could be continued until conception. As for the 'newer' drugs (fingolimod, natalizumab, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate and alemtuzumab), the information is more limited. Whereas fingolimod and teriflunomide are likely associated with an increased risk of foetal malformations, the effects of natalizumab, dimethyl fumarate and alemtuzumab still need to be ascertained. This article provides a review of the available information on the use of DMDs during pregnancy, with a specific focus on fertility, foetal development, delivery and breast-feeding.

The use of biologic therapy in pregnancy: a gastroenterologist's perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often affects women in their peak reproductive years, and therapy is often continued during pregnancy to maintain stable disease activity. Therapeutic options have expanded over the last 2 decades with the advent of new biologic options. It is, therefore, important for the gastroenterologists and other clinicians caring for patients with IBD to understand safety data regarding the treatment options, both biologic and nonbiologic, in pregnant IBD patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

In general, quality of evidence in this area remains low. However, larger prospective studies are beginning to provide evidence regarding the potential safety of biologics both alone and in conjunction with nonbiologic therapy.

SUMMARY

The majority of treatment options for IBD appears to be of low risk and may often be continued through pregnancy and lactation. Not treating IBD, for example, by discontinuing therapy prior to or with pregnancy, may pose a greater risk to mother and fetus in many cases.

The use of biologic agents in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Biologic therapies, including anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody therapy and anti-integrin antibodies, are currently approved for the treatment of and are increasingly being used in patients with moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Because patients who require these medications are often in their child-bearing years, knowledge of the safety of these medications before and after pregnancy is imperative. This article summarizes the available data regarding the use of biologic therapy during and after pregnancy, highlighting such issues as safety for mother and newborn, length of medication use during pregnancy, and breastfeeding after pregnancy while on biologic therapy.

Optimal management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: current perspectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. It frequently affects females in their reproductive phase of life. Therefore, family planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are important issues in the management of MS, particularly with respect to counseling and drug treatment. This paper reviews currently available data on the outcome of pregnancies in MS patients and the influence of pregnancy on the course of the disease. We give an update on the use of various disease-modifying MS drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition to established therapies such as interferon-β, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and fingolimod, we also discuss the state of knowledge about new agents such as dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, and alemtuzumab in the context of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Normal outcome of pregnancy with ongoing treatment with natalizumab

BACKGROUND

Treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with natalizumab during pregnancy is not recommended due to potential risks for the foetus. Despite strong advice accidental pregnancies occur.

CASE

A 32-year old woman with MS since the age of 26 was treated with natalizumab since January 2008. Treatment was stopped April 2011 due to pregnancy plans, but was restarted following an MS relapse. The patient was thoroughly informed about potential foetal risks, but nevertheless she one year later disclosed that she was pregnant in gestational week 15. Treatment was continued, since the first trimester had passed. The pregnancy course was normal and a healthy daughter was born at full gestational term.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the second known case where natalizumab treatment continued throughout the whole gestational period.

Natalizumab: a review of its use in the management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Natalizumab (Tysabri®) is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the α4 chain of integrins and was the first targeted therapy to be approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Natalizumab acts as a selective adhesion molecule antagonist, which binds very late antigen (VLA)-4 and inhibits the translocation of activated VLA-4-expressing leukocytes across the blood-brain barrier into the CNS. In a pivotal phase III clinical trial, natalizumab 300 mg intravenously every 4 weeks for 2 years in adults with RRMS significantly reduced the annualized relapse rate and the risk of sustained progression of disability compared with placebo, as well as significantly increasing the proportion of relapse-free patients at 1 and 2 years. Natalizumab also significantly reduced the number of T2-hyperintense, gadolinium-enhancing and T1-hypointense lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, and significantly reduced the volume of T2-hyperintense and T1-hypointense lesions compared with placebo. Natalizumab recipients generally experienced improved health-related quality of life at 1-2 years. Natalizumab was generally well tolerated in pivotal trials. The only adverse events that were more frequent with natalizumab monotherapy than with placebo were fatigue and allergic reactions. The main safety and tolerability issue with natalizumab is the incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). As long as the risk of PML is managed effectively, natalizumab is a valuable therapeutic option for adults with highly active relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Long-term effects of exposure to disease-modifying drugs in the offspring of mothers with multiple sclerosis: a retrospective chart review

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) mainly affects women of fertile age. To date, the only recommendation for women with MS intending to become pregnant is to stop all treatment. This recommendation reflects the concerns about the effects of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) on the offspring. The objective of the present study was to assess the potential long-term effects of maternal exposure to DMDs on the offspring.

METHOD

This was a retrospective study revising medical data on the offspring of women with MS. These women now have children aged at least 1 year and include a group of patients that were not exposed to any DMDs for at least 3 months prior to pregnancy and during the whole gestation (control group). Another group of patients had at least 2 weeks of exposure to DMDs, mainly to interferon beta or glatiramer acetate

RESULTS

The women with MS participating in this study have children currently aged, on average, 6.6 years (range 1-39 years). There was no pattern of drug-related adverse events or complications in the children whose mothers were exposed to DMDs. No specific long-term adverse events were observed in the offspring of women with MS who were exposed to drugs during pregnancy. The profile of relevant diagnoses in their children was similar to that of children whose mothers had not been exposed to DMDs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present retrospective study did not show a specific profile of long-term deleterious drug effects on children born from mothers who were exposed to drugs for MS treatment.