Postpartum Relapse Research Articles

Exclusive Breast-Feeding Was Associated with Lower Rates of Early Postpartum Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis

Can women with multiple sclerosis (MS) safely breast-feed? In an observational study of 466 pregnancies among 375 women with MS within Kaiser

Pregnancy outcomes and postpartum relapse rates in women with RRMS treated with alemtuzumab in the phase 2 and 3 clinical development program over 16 years

BackgroundRelapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is frequently diagnosed in women of reproductive age. Because the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) early in the disease course is increasing, it is important to evaluate the safety of DMTs in pregnant women and their developing fetuses. Alemtuzumab, approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS, is administered as 2 courses of 12 mg/day on 5 consecutive days at baseline and on 3 consecutive days 12 months later. Alemtuzumab is eliminated from the body within approximately 30 days after administration; it is recommended that women of childbearing potential use effective contraception during and for 4 months after treatment. Here, we report pregnancy outcomes in alemtuzumab-treated women from the phase 2 and 3 clinical development program over 16 years. MethodsWe followed 972 women who had alemtuzumab in phase 2 (CAMMS223 [NCT00050778]) and phase 3 (CARE-MS I [NCT00530348], CARE-MS II [NCT00548405]) studies, and/or in 2 consecutive extension studies (NCT00930553; NCT02255656 [TOPAZ]). In the extension studies, patients could receive additional alemtuzumab (12 mg/day on 3 days; ≥12 months apart) as needed for disease activity. All women who received alemtuzumab in the clinical development program were included. Pregnant or lactating patients were followed up for safety. ResultsAs of November 26, 2018, 264 pregnancies occurred in 160 alemtuzumab-treated women, with a mean age at conception of 32.6 years, and mean time from last alemtuzumab dose to conception of 35.9 months. Of the 264 pregnancies, 233 (88%) were completed, 11 (4%) were ongoing, and 20 (8%) had unknown outcomes; 16 (6%) conceptions occurred within 4 months, and 5 conceptions within 1 month of the last alemtuzumab dose. Of the 233 completed pregnancies with known outcomes, there were 155 (67%) live births with no congenital abnormalities or birth defects, 52 (22%) spontaneous abortions, 25 (11%) elective abortions, and 1 (0.4%) stillbirth. Maternal age was associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion in alemtuzumab-treated patients (<35 years: 15%; ≥35 years: 37%; relative risk [RR], 2.46 [95% CI: 1.53–3.95], p=0.0002). Risk of spontaneous abortion was not increased in patients becoming pregnant ≤4 months versus >4 months since alemtuzumab exposure (19% vs 23%; RR, 1.08 [95% CI: 0.41–2.85], p=0.88). Autoimmune thyroid adverse events did not increase risk for spontaneous abortion (patients with vs without thyroid adverse events, 23.7% vs 21.3%; RR, 1.11 [95% CI: 0.69–1.80], p=0.75). Annualized relapse rate was 0.10 and 0.12 in the 2 years prior to pregnancy (post alemtuzumab), and was 0.22, 0.12, and 0.12 in each of the first 3 years postpartum, respectively. ConclusionNormal live births were the most common outcome in women exposed to alemtuzumab 12 mg or 24 mg in clinical studies. Spontaneous abortion rate in alemtuzumab-treated patients was comparable with rates in the general population and treatment-naive MS patients, and was not increased in women with pregnancy onset within 4 months of alemtuzumab exposure. There was a minimal increase in postpartum relapses.

Postpartum Relapse After First On-Study Pregnancy in RRMS Patients Treated With Alemtuzumab in the Phase 2 and 3 Clinical Development Program Over 8 Years (169)

Postpartum Relapse After First On-Study Pregnancy in RRMS Patients Treated With Alemtuzumab in the Phase 2 and 3 Clinical Development Program Over 8 Years (169)

Intravenous Immunoglobulins for the Prevention of Postpartum Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis (94)

Intravenous Immunoglobulins for the Prevention of Postpartum Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis (94)

Pregnancy-related relapses and breastfeeding in a contemporary multiple sclerosis cohort.

To determine whether women with multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosed according to current criteria are at an increased risk of postpartum relapses and to assess whether this risk is modified by breastfeeding or MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), we examined the electronic health records (EHRs) of 466 pregnancies among 375 women with MS and their infants. We used prospectively collected information from the EHR at Kaiser Permanente Southern and Northern California between 2008 and 2016 of the mother and infant to identify treatment history, breastfeeding, and relapses. Multivariable models accounting for measures of disease severity were used. In the postpartum year, 26.4% relapsed, 87% breastfed, 36% breastfed exclusively for at least 2 months, and 58.8% did not use DMTs. At pregnancy onset, 67.2% had suboptimally controlled disease. Annualized relapse rates (ARRs) declined from 0.37 before pregnancy to 0.14-0.07 (p < 0.0001) during pregnancy, but in the postpartum period, we did not observe any rebound disease activity. The ARR was 0.27 in the first 3 months postpartum, returning to prepregnancy rates at 4-6 months (0.37). Exclusive breastfeeding reduced the risk of early postpartum relapses (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.37, p = 0.009), measures of disease severity increased the risk, and resuming modestly effective DMTs had no effect (time-dependent covariate, p = 0.62). Most women diagnosed with MS today can have children without incurring an increased risk of relapses. Women with suboptimal disease control before pregnancy may benefit from highly effective DMTs that are compatible with pregnancy and lactation. Women with MS should be encouraged to breastfeed exclusively.

Cannabis use and stressful life events during the perinatal period: cross-sectional results from Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data, 2016.

We aimed to determine the association between stressful life events (SLEs) in the year prior to childbirth with (1) pre-pregnancy cannabis use, (2) cessation of cannabis use during pregnancy and (3) postpartum relapse to cannabis use. We used data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) 2016, a cross-sectional, population-based surveillance system. Mailed and telephone surveys conducted in five states-Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Michigan and Washington-in the United States. Women (n=6061) who delivered a live infant within the last 6months and had data on cannabis use. Self-reported data included SLEs (yes/no response for 14 individual events in the 12months prior to childbirth) and cannabis use [yes/no prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at the time of the survey (approximately 2-6months postpartum)]. The associations between SLEs and cannabis use (primary outcomes) were examined in logistic regression models adjusted for maternal demographics (e.g. age, race, education), geography (i.e. state of residence) and cigarette smoking. Pre-pregnancy, 16.4% (997/6061) of respondents endorsed using cannabis, with 36.4% (363/997) continuing cannabis use during pregnancy. Among the 63.6% (634/997) who did not report use during pregnancy, 23.2% (147/634) relapsed to cannabis use during the postpartum. Nine of the 14 possible SLEs were associated with increased odds of pre-pregnancy cannabis use [e.g. husband/partner or mother went to jail, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.30-3.62] and four were associated with increased odds of continued cannabis use during pregnancy (e.g. husband/partner lost job, aOR=2.19, 95% CI=1.21-3.96). The odds of postpartum relapse to cannabis were significantly associated with two SLEs (husband/partner said they did not want pregnancy, aOR=2.86, CI=1.10-7.72; husband/partner or mother went to jail, aOR=0.37, 95% CI=0.13-1.00). Stressful life events during the year prior to childbirth appear to be linked to greater odds of women's cannabis use during the perinatal period, especially during pre-pregnancy.

Recommendations for neurological, obstetrical and gynaecological care in women with multiple sclerosis: a statement by a working group convened by the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common non-traumatic neurological cause of disability in young adults, affecting women 1-3 times more often than men. Several specific challenges arise from the fact that young women diagnosed with MS often have to make decisions related to treatment and family planning at the same time. These issues are connected with fertility, the impact of pregnancy on disease course, the choice of pregnancy timing, and the optimal mode of disease-modifying therapy in the context of a planned pregnancy, contraception, urological complaints, and sexual dysfunction. While MS does not in itself adversely affect fertility, pregnancy or childbirth, pregnancy needs to be carefully planned. This requires the interdisciplinary co-operation of a neurologist, gynaecologist and psychologist. Data on the impact of disease-modifying drugs on foetal development are very limited, and none of these drugs is 100% safe during pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, MS relapse rate decreases. Unfortunately, it increases within the first 3-6 months after delivery. Adequate disease control should be achieved before pregnancy, as relapse rate in the period of two years preceding pregnancy is one of the strongest predictive factors for post-partum relapses. The following is a statement by a working group of experts in neurology, gynaecology, obstetrics and urology, convened by the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society, addressing the issues that are specific to the female MS population. The aim of this statement is to provide guidance in pregnancy planning and disease management, both during pregnancy and post-partum. This statement reflects expert opinion and is not intended to be read as guidelines. It rather provides up-to-date information on how to optimise care of female MS patients of childbearing age.

Negotiating cancer preventative health behaviours and adapting to motherhood: the role of technology in supporting positive health behaviours

ABSTRACT Purpose Across the UK and USA, postpartum smoking relapse rates are high, and rates of breastfeeding and physical activity are low. This project aimed to explore these interrelated health behaviours and technology use, for intervention development to support postpartum cancer prevention. Methods Focus groups and interviews with 26 purposively selected women (15 in Vermont, USA and 11 in Norfolk, UK). Recruitment was from deprived areas experiencing multiple disadvantage. Qualitative data were thematically analysed from dual cultural perspectives, underpinned by the social ecological model. Results Women negotiate interrelated lifestyle behaviours as part of managing an identity in transition, moving through stages of disturbance, adaptation, acceptance and integration towards “becoming” a new Mother. Technology was integral to women’s process of engagement with mothering identities. Intersectionality underpins complex patterns of interrelated behaviour. Conclusions There is scope to improve electronic/digital support for postpartum women cross-nationally to promote interrelated cancer-preventative lifestyle behaviours. Abbreviations CDC: Center for Disease Control, US; PA: Physical activity; SES: Socioeconomic status; SVI: Social Vulnerability Index; UK: UK; US: USA; WIC: Women infants and children office.

Study Fertility Characteristics in Female Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) predominantly affect women who are of childbearing age. Understanding the interactions between pregnancy and NMOSD is important for clinical management. To study the fertility characteristics in patients with NMOSD in Cairo university hospital MS Multiple Sclerosis (MS) clinic and determine the interrelation between NMOSD, menstruation, pregnancy outcome. It is an observational cross-sectional study conducted on 83 female patients (67 married and 16 unmarried) diagnosed with NMOSD according to an international consensus (2006, 2015) and 30 unmarried healthy female as control group. All patients were subject to full demographic and clinical history from their medical records and personal interview, full neurological examination, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), and pregnancy registry questionnaire. There was significant increase in percentage of amenorrhea and decrease in menstrual flow days in unmarried patients compared to control (p-value =0.05, 0.04 respectively with OR=3.5), compared to married patients before and after disease onset. Regarding to pregnancy characteristics, there was significant increase in the number of abortions, percentage of cesarean section, decrease in the number of living fetuses, normal fetuses, breast feeding percentage after disease onset compared to pregnancies occurred before disease onset (p value= 0.02, <0.001, 0.001, 0.02, <0.001 with OR= 2.7, 5.2, 4.9 respectively). There was significant increase in the number of postpartum relapse (66% from pregnancies after disease onset), most of them in first 3 months postpartum (88.7%). Presence of NMOSD increased the percentage of amenorrhea/oligomenorrhea, miscarriage, delivery by Cesarean section, and decreased the chance for breastfeeding. Moreover, pregnancy increases NMOSD relapse and subsequently disability.

Association Between Breastfeeding and Postpartum Multiple Sclerosis Relapses

Multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses may be increased in the postpartum period, and whether breastfeeding is associated with reduction in the risk of postpartum relapses remains controversial. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether breastfeeding is associated with reduction in postpartum MS relapses compared with not breastfeeding. PubMed and Embase were searched for studies assessing the association between breastfeeding and MS disease activity published between January 1, 1980, and July 11, 2018, as well as reference lists of selected articles. All study designs assessing the association between breastfeeding and postpartum relapses in MS relative to a comparator group were included. Study eligibility assessment and extraction of study characteristics, methods, and outcomes, were performed independently by 2 reviewers following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was evaluated by 2 independent reviewers with the ROBINS-I tool for nonrandomized, interventional studies. Findings from studies with data available for the number of women with postpartum relapses in the breastfeeding and nonbreastfeeding groups were combined with a random-effects model. Postpartum MS relapse. The search identified 462 unique citations, and 24 (2974 women) satisfied eligibility criteria and were included, of which 16 were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. The pooled summary odds ratio for the association of breastfeeding with postpartum relapses was 0.63 (95% CI, 0.45-0.88; P = .006) compared with a reference of nonbreastfeeding. Pooled adjusted hazard ratio across 4 studies that reported this finding was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.38-0.85; P = .006). There was moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 48%), which was explained by variable prepregnancy relapse rate, postpartum follow-up duration, and the publication year. A stronger association was seen in studies of exclusive rather than nonexclusive breastfeeding, although both demonstrated an association. Studies were rated at moderate and serious risk of bias, with concern for residual confounding, although sensitivity analysis including only moderate quality studies was consistent with a protective outcome of breastfeeding. These findings suggest that breastfeeding is protective against postpartum relapses in MS, although high-quality prospective studies to date are limited and well-designed observational studies that aim to emulate a randomized trial would be of benefit.

Severe rebound disease activity after fingolimod withdrawal in a pregnant woman with multiple sclerosis managed with rituximab: A case study.

Although pregnancy is potentially protective against relapses of multiple sclerosis, severe rebound of disease activity after withdrawal of fingolimod may occur. We report a woman with multiple sclerosis who discontinued fingolimod in the first month of her pregnancy. She developed severe disease rebound which responded poorly to steroids. She was started on rituximab, which was continued during the rest of her pregnancy and beyond. Rituximab appeared safe and well tolerated by both mother and infant, and could be considered in pregnancy for those patients with multiple sclerosis who are at high risk of gestational and postpartum relapse.

Severely Deficient ADAMTS13 Activity Predicts Relapse of Immune-Mediated Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Pregnancy

Background: It is commonly accepted that severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity in remission increases the risk for relapse, but relapse in severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity in patients with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is not uniform. Mouse models and published studies have suggested that a "second hit" is required in addition to severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity to lead to clinical relapse. Our initial published experience led us to preliminarily conclude that pregnancy could serve as the second hit in addition to severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity and lead to relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of relapse and outcomes of pregnant patients with a diagnosis of iTTP. Methods: Since the initiation of the Ohio State University TTP Research Program in 2003, patients were consented at enrollment and followed longitudinally in our IRB approved iTTP registry, usually every three to six months. During pregnancy, patients were seen and CBC, LDH and ADAMTS13 activity were obtained monthly. Due to prior reports of iTTP relapses during pregnancy, it is our practice to offer prophylaxis with cyclosporine to pregnant patients with a diagnosis of iTTP and severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity. The clinical diagnosis of iTTP (defined as thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, without an alternative explanation was confirmed by severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity (&lt;10%) in all cases. ADAMTS13 activity was determined using a SELDI-TOF mass-spectrometer-based method. Results: During the study time, we have followed 11 pregnancies from eight patients with iTTP. Two pregnancies occurred at the time of their initial diagnosis, and nine pregnancies occurred during follow up. Two patients were black, nine were white. Median age was 26 ( range 20-36). Of the nine pregnancies in patients with a previous diagnosis of iTTP, three resulted in relapses, two in the same patient; one at 23 weeks that resulted in fetal demise, and the next one occurred one week after delivery at 36 weeks. The other patient relapsed at 35 weeks and the baby was delivered early at 36 weeks. All relapses were preceded by a documented ADAMTS13 &lt;10%, with a normal platelet count, LDH and no associated symptoms, while none of the other pregnancies had a documented ADAMTS13 &lt;10% (Figure 1). Interestingly, one of the relapses occurred while the patient was taking cyclosporine during pregnancy as preemptive therapy to prevent relapses. She initially responded to therapy with an increase in her ADAMTS13 activity but subsequently lost the response which preceded her relapse post-partum. Conclusions: Pregnancy in patients with a diagnosis of iTTP is a risk factor for iTTP relapse. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the relationship between ADAMTS13 and the risk of relapse during pregnancy. Our results demonstrate that severely deficient ADATMS13 activity uniformly leads to relapse in pregnancy. It also highlights the clinical relevance of monitoring ADAMTS13 activity closely in patients with a history of iTTP that become pregnant. Figure 1 Disclosures Masias: Rigel Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Cataland:Alexion: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ablynx/Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: the use of cyclosporine for prevention of TTP relapses

Intravenous immunoglobulins for the prevention of postpartum relapses in multiple sclerosis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on prevention of postpartum relapses in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). MethodsThis was a retrospective study performed in Ljubljana, Slovenia where the practice for all pregnant women with RRMS is to receive IVIG after the delivery (10 g monthly, during first 6 months after delivery) and in Zagreb, Croatia where no such practice exists. The following data were collected: date of delivery, maternal age at delivery, year of the RRMS diagnosis, EDSS, disease modifying therapy prior to pregnancy, relapses in the year prior, during and in the period of one year after pregnancy. ResultsData on 132 pregnancies from 112 women (mean age at delivery 31.70±4.10, average disease duration 6.34±4.33) were analyzed. There was no association between the IVIG treatment and annualized relapse rate one year after the delivery (0.27 vs 0.38, rate ratio 1.409, 95% CI 0.764–2.598, p = 0.272). No risk factors for the postpartum relapse were identified (age at delivery, duration of RRMS, EDSS prior pregnancy, disease modifying therapy prior pregnancy, relapses in the year prior pregnancy, IVIG). ConclusionThis study provides no evidence of benefit for postpartum administration of IVIG in women with RRMS.

Addressing Postpartum Smoking Relapse Among Low-Income Women: A Randomized Control Trial.

Smoking during pregnancy can have dire consequences for both the baby and mother. Low-income pregnant women smoke at particularly high rates. Among women who quit during pregnancy, postpartum relapse is high. This randomized control trial tested the effect of adding postpartum assistance to an existing smoking cessation program (First Breath) designed for low-income women. Of 185 study participants, 94 women were randomly assigned to the standard First Breath program (control) and 91 to an enhanced program. First Breath consisted of evidence-based smoking cessation counseling provided at every prenatal visit. The enhanced program included all First Breath services plus 4 in-home counseling visits (3 postpartum), 3 postpartum counseling calls, support to others in the home, and incentives (gift cards) totaling $100. The primary outcome was biochemically verified abstinence at 6 months postpartum. Among the 98 women who completed the study, the abstinence rate among the intervention participants (n=41) was significantly greater than among the control participants (n=57) (36.6% vs 12.3%, respectively; P<0.01). Analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis, with those lost to follow-up assumed to be smoking, the abstinence rate among intervention subjects (n=91) was 16.5% vs 7.4% among control participants (n=94); P=0.07. Extending smoking cessation interventions into the postpartum period may help address postpartum relapse.

Lithium Exposure During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Safety and Efficacy Outcomes.

Uncertainty surrounds the risks of lithium use during pregnancy in women with bipolar disorder. The authors sought to provide a critical appraisal of the evidence related to the efficacy and safety of lithium treatment during the peripartum period, focusing on women with bipolar disorder and their offspring. The authors conducted a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis assessing case-control, cohort, and interventional studies reporting on the safety (primary outcome, any congenital anomaly) or efficacy (primary outcome, mood relapse prevention) of lithium treatment during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tools were used to assess the quality of available PubMed and Scopus records through October 2018. Twenty-nine studies were included in the analyses (20 studies were of good quality, and six were of poor quality; one study had an unclear risk of bias, and two had a high risk of bias). Thirteen of the 29 studies could be included in the quantitative analysis. Lithium prescribed during pregnancy was associated with higher odds of any congenital anomaly (N=23,300, k=11; prevalence=4.1%, k=11; odds ratio=1.81, 95% CI=1.35-2.41; number needed to harm (NNH)=33, 95% CI=22-77) and of cardiac anomalies (N=1,348,475, k=12; prevalence=1.2%, k=9; odds ratio=1.86, 95% CI=1.16-2.96; NNH=71, 95% CI=48-167). Lithium exposure during the first trimester was associated with higher odds of spontaneous abortion (N=1,289, k=3, prevalence=8.1%; odds ratio=3.77, 95% CI=1.15-12.39; NNH=15, 95% CI=8-111). Comparing lithium-exposed with unexposed pregnancies, significance remained for any malformation (exposure during any pregnancy period or the first trimester) and cardiac malformations (exposure during the first trimester), but not for spontaneous abortion (exposure during the first trimester) and cardiac malformations (exposure during any pregnancy period). Lithium was more effective than no lithium in preventing postpartum relapse (N=48, k=2; odds ratio=0.16, 95% CI=0.03-0.89; number needed to treat=3, 95% CI=1-12). The qualitative synthesis showed that mothers with serum lithium levels <0.64 mEq/L and dosages <600 mg/day had more reactive newborns without an increased risk of cardiac malformations. The risk associated with lithium exposure at any time during pregnancy is low, and the risk is higher for first-trimester or higher-dosage exposure. Ideally, pregnancy should be planned during remission from bipolar disorder and lithium prescribed within the lowest therapeutic range throughout pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester and the days immediately preceding delivery, balancing the safety and efficacy profile for the individual patient.

Can we predict post-partum relapses in pregnant women with multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women of childbearing age. Thus, pregnancy is an important issue to discuss since pregnancy is known to be associated with a high risk of post-partum relapses. To identify predictors of post-partum relapses in MS patients. We conducted a retrospective study including relapsing- MS patients being pregnant after disease onset and looked for factors associated with the occurrence of post-partum relapses. We enrolled 42 patients with a total of 72 pegnancies. Post-partum relapses occured in 55% of the pregnancies, mainly in the first three months after delivery. Post-partum relapses were associated with shorter disease duration, the occurrence of relapses 24 months before pregnancy and the rank of pregnancy (the first one), but not with the other factors: relapses occuring during pregnancy, aborted pregnancies, the delivery type, the use of epidural analgesia, resumption of disease modifying drugs within a month after delivery and breastfeeding. Several prior studies showed similar outcomes. Others suggested further predictive factors such as high EDSS prior to pregnancy and annualized relapse rate during pregnancy. We add to those findings the rank of pregnancy. This may be explained by the fact that immunotolerance mechanisms acquired in mid-first-pregnancy are memorized and set up in early stages of subsequent pregnancies. Knowing predictors of post-partum relapses, makes clinicians more aware of this risk. All pregnancies should be planned. Conception should be avoided in patients with recent onset and active course of the disease in the two previous years.

T Cell Repertoire Dynamics during Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis

Identifying Tcell clones associated with human autoimmunity has remained challenging. Intriguingly, many autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), show strongly diminished activity during pregnancy, providing a unique research paradigm to explore dynamics of immune repertoire changes during active and inactive disease. Here, we characterize immunomodulation at the single-clone level by sequencing the Tcell repertoire in healthy women and female MS patients over the course of pregnancy. Clonality is significantly reduced from the first to third trimester in MS patients, indicating that the Tcell repertoire becomes less dominated by expanded clones. However, only a few Tcell clones are substantially modulated during pregnancy in each patient. Moreover, relapse-associated Tcell clones identified in an individual patient contract during pregnancy and expand during a postpartum relapse. Our data provide evidence that profiling the Tcell repertoire during pregnancy could serve as a tool to discover and track "private" Tcell clones associated with disease activity in autoimmunity.

Mothers with and without bipolar disorder and their infants: group differences in mother-infant interaction patterns at three months postpartum

BackgroundWomen with bipolar disorder (BD) have a high risk of illness relapse postpartum. The risk coincides with the period when mother-infant interactions are evolving. We compared mother-infant interactions in dyads where the mothers have BD with dyads where the mothers have no mental disorder. The association between concurrent affective symptoms of BD mothers and interaction quality was investigated.MethodsTwenty-six women with BD and 30 comparison women with infants were included. The Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment (PCERA) was used to assess maternal behaviour, infant behaviour and dyadic coordination in interactions at 3 months postpartum. The Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology and Young Mania Rating Scale were used to assess affective symptoms of BD mothers at the time of interaction.ResultsThere were significant group differences with medium to large effect sizes (0.73–1.32) on five of six subscales within the three interactional domains. Most interactional concerns were identified in dyadic coordination. No significant associations were found between maternal symptom load and interaction quality within the BD sample. Forty-six percent of the BD mothers experienced a mood episode within 0–3 months postpartum.ConclusionsThe present study identified challenges for mothers with BD and their infants in “finding” each other in interaction at 3 months postpartum. If sustained, this interaction pattern may have a long-term impact on children’s development. We suggest interventions specifically focusing on sensitising and supporting mothers to read infants’ cues on a micro-level. This may help them to respond contingently and improve dyadic coordination and synchronicity.

Ressenti des sages-femmes dans la prise en charge en suites de couche des patientes avec troubles psychiques sévères : une analyse qualitative

BackgroundA significant proportion of women with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) will become mothers during their reproductive life. These pregnancies are, however, more at risk of psychiatric, obstetrical and neonatal complications (increased risks of post-partum depression, relapse, suicide, gestational diabetes, placental abnormalities or low birth weight). Midwives often feel isolated and resourceless when taking care of these women. Specialized units such as mother-infant psychiatric units or the Transversal Unit of Perinatal Care (UTAP) in the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHUGA) enhance the coordination between psychiatric and obstetrical teams and have shown effectiveness in improving maternal and child outcomes. Objectivesi) to assess midwives’ feelings about the postpartum care of women with SMI; ii) to determine UTAP's impact on this feeling and its determinants; iii) to look for unmet needs. MethodsThis study is a prospective, exploratory, qualitative analysis. Twenty midwives from Grenoble Alpes University Hospital who took care of one of the selected patients participated in this study. Two women had schizophrenia and one bipolar disorder. Interviews realized with a semi-structured guide were fully transcribed, anonymized and thematically analyzed. Topics have been structured according to the number of occurrences to build a thematic tree. ResultsMidwives felt insecure and resourceless when the postpartum care was unclear, insufficiently anticipated and in case of a danger for the women or the children. They felt uneasy when not feeling able to provide usual care to these patients (due to lack of specific knowledge about SMI and to the impossibility to consider their patient otherwise than through their pathology). Midwives felt at ease and secure when the postpartum care was anticipated. UTAP was identified as a resource for midwives. Specific training and improvements in the organization of the pre and post-natal care could improve midwives’ feelings when taking care of women with SMI.

Factors associated with post-partum smoking relapse in Taiwan: A trial of Smoker's helpline

ObjectiveMany women quit smoking during pregnancy resume in postpartum period and difficult to prevent. No studies had focused on their psychosocial response in Taiwan. We analyzed data from a trial of Taiwan Smoker's Helpline (TSH) to determine factors associated with smoking relapse after delivery. Materials and methodsA prospective cohort was conducted at Taipei City Hospital during Sep. 2014 and Nov. 2015 period. We collected data by self-developed questionnaire combining theory of planned behavior (TPB), Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) from 68 women immediately after delivery, 2 months later and followed up until 6 months. Multivariable logistic models for relapse of smoking at the end of 3rd month and 6th month were created. ResultsAt 6th month, 42.6% participants relapsed with odds lower among first parity (OR = 0.04, 95% CI = <0.01–0.54, p = 0.015), having quitting experience in past (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01–0.84, p = 0.019) and higher perceived behavior control (PBC) (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98–1.00, p = 0.035), but greater for those with longer smoking duration in past (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04–1.58, p = 0.018). ConclusionProtective and precipitating factors to post-partum's smoking relapse were identified in our study.