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

Abstract

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. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, Pregnancy, Rituximab, Fingolimod, Rebound