Human Study on Maternal Multiple Sclerosis and Offspring Neuropsychiatric Disorders
A nationwide cohort study found that children of mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS) had a higher long-term risk of neuropsychiatric disorders compared to matched controls. Notably, those with mothers who had neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) showed an elevated, though inconclusive risk for such disorders.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
These findings suggest a potential link between maternal MS and an increased risk of neuropsychiatric issues in offspring, underscoring the need for further research in this area to guide supportive strategies for these children.
What this does not prove
The risk estimate for children of mothers with NMOSD was elevated but not statistically conclusive, meaning further data is needed to clarify this association.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Yes
- Controlled
- Yes
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-10-05
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceLong-term neuropsychiatric outcomes in offspring of mothers with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A nationwide cohort study. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107961
Supporting passages (12)
study designwe conducted a nationwide cohort study.
subjectsLive-born offspring of mothers diagnosed with MS or NMOSD before childbirth were identified and matched 1:4 to controls using propensity scores.
randomizedmatched 1:4 to controls using propensity scores.
controlledmatched 1:4 to controls using propensity scores.
peer reviewedJournal: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders
primary endpoint metNeither group showed increased risks of major congenital malformations or adverse short-term neonatal outcomes.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-05
comparatormatched 1:4 to controls using propensity scores.
primary endpointany neuropsychiatric disorder
follow uplong-term
findingsCONCLUSIONS: Maternal MS was associated with a higher long-term risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring, whereas congenital and short-term neonatal outcomes were not increased in either group.
limitationsthe overall risk estimate was also elevated but statistically inconclusive.
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