Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with RRMS Treated with Ocrelizumab or Rituximab
In a cohort study of 294 pregnancies in women with relapsing-remitting MS, relapse rates during pregnancy (2.0%) and within one year postpartum (8.5%) were found to be low. Only 28.6% of women stopped treatment with Ocrelizumab (OCR) or Rituximab (RTX) at least 4 months before their last menstrual period. Timing of treatment did not correlate with relapse risk.
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Why it matters
Understanding relapse rates during and after pregnancy can inform treatment decisions for MS women who are or plan to become pregnant, improving maternal and child health.
What this does not prove
Results may not be applicable to all MS treatments, and the low number of relapse events limits the detection of potential differences. Further research is needed.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Case report
- Participants / samples
- 294 · total number of pregnancies
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- RRMS
- Publication date
- 2026-10-09
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceDisease Activity During Pregnancy and Postpartum in Women With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab or Rituximab Before Pregnancy. ↗DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200670
Supporting passages (11)
study designThis study investigates disease activity during and after pregnancy in women with relapsing-remitting MS treated with OCR/RTX before pregnancy.
subjectsRESULTS: Of 294 pregnancies among 275 women, only 28.6% (n = 84) suspended OCR/RTX ≥4 months before LMP and most (79.3% [n = 233]) received ≥2 cycles.
sample sizeRESULTS: Of 294 pregnancies among 275 women, only 28.6% (n = 84) suspended OCR/RTX ≥4 months before LMP and most (79.3% [n = 233]) received ≥2 cycles.
sample size basisMETHODS: In this cohort study, pregnancies of women treated with OCR/RTX documented in the German MS and Pregnancy Registry were stratified by timing of last infusion (≥ or <4 months to last menstrual period [LMP]) and number of cycles (≥ or <2 cycles).
relevant ms typesThis study investigates disease activity during and after pregnancy in women with relapsing-remitting MS treated with OCR/RTX before pregnancy.
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-09
interventionMETHODS: In this cohort study, pregnancies of women treated with OCR/RTX documented in the German MS and Pregnancy Registry were stratified by timing of last infusion (≥ or <4 months to last menstrual period [LMP]) and number of cycles (≥ or <2 cycles).
primary endpointRelapses treated with high-dose glucocorticosteroids were analyzed, as was persistent disability (following a relapse) at 1-year postpartum, defined as a ≥2.0-point increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) or new/worsening ambulatory impairment (Severe Relapse Disability Composite Score [SRDCS]).
follow upRelapses treated with high-dose glucocorticosteroids were analyzed, as was persistent disability (following a relapse) at 1-year postpartum, defined as a ≥2.0-point increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) or new/worsening ambulatory impairment (Severe Relapse Disability Composite Score [SRDCS]).
findingsDISCUSSION: Relapses and disability during and after pregnancy after OCR/RTX interruption are rare and independent of timing and number of cycles.
limitationsHowever, potential differences may not be detectable due to the low number of events and should be evaluated in larger studies.
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