Eculizumab use throughout pregnancy in two patients with aquaporin-4-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Background

Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are at an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Lack of NMOSD treatment during pregnancy is a risk factor for relapse. Here, we report two cases of pregnant women with anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive (AQP4+) NMOSD treated with eculizumab during pregnancy.

Case Presentation

Patient 1 was diagnosed with AQP4+ NMOSD 2 mo after giving birth to her first child. She was treated with tacrolimus and prednisolone, before switching to prednisolone monotherapy. Following concerns of teratogenicity associated with immunosuppressive therapy and oral steroid use, she began eculizumab treatment prior to a second pregnancy. When she became pregnant, eculizumab treatment was briefly paused while safety data were reviewed with her neurologist. A total of three doses were missed.

Patient 2 was diagnosed with AQP4+ NMOSD and began prednisolone treatment. Following a relapse, tacrolimus was added to her treatment regimen. Prior to pregnancy, she began eculizumab treatment alongside prednisolone and tacrolimus and maintained this regimen throughout her pregnancy.

No relapses or meningococcal infections occurred after eculizumab initiation in either patient, and both gave birth without complications to healthy babies. Patient 2 continues to receive eculizumab while breastfeeding.

Conclusions

We present two cases of pregnant women with AQP4+ NMOSD treated with eculizumab. Both women gave birth to healthy babies, have had no relapses since initiating eculizumab, and continued their treatment after birth. These cases are further evidence of the successful use of eculizumab during pregnancy.