UAE Neurologists Allay Family Planning Concerns For Those Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Recent years have seen efforts made to address the information gap that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients face with regards to family planning. A 2015 survey of patients with MS showed gaps in their understanding of the relationship between MS and pregnancy, the implications for treatment of relapses, and a lack of awareness of the minimal impact that MS has on fertility. When coupled with the uncertainties that have arisen in light of disease management during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming this knowledge deficit has become a priority for healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of MS.

“Our understanding of the administration of MS therapies continues to evolve as we emerge from the global pandemic. The most current research and best practice suggests it is best for most patients living with MS not to stop or modify their existing therapy regimens during all circumstances,” explained Dr. Jihad Inshasi, Consultant Neurologist at Rashid Hospital, Dubai. He highlighted that the latest guidelines from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society state that stopping or delaying MS therapies will not reduce a patient’s susceptibility to, or decrease the risk of complications from, COVID-19.

Dr. Inshasi was speaking at an educational webinar titled: ‘Multiple Sclerosis Management During and Post COVID-19’ seeking to educate patients on best practices for family planning for MS patients in the wake of the pandemic, as well as share guidance on safe practices.

“There is no current evidence to suggest that patients living with MS are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than others, including those who are strictly following their therapy regimen”, mentioned Dr. Suzan Noori, Consultant Neurologist at University Hospital Sharjah.

“However, those who do contract the virus are strongly encouraged to inform their healthcare providers and to closely adhere to their recommended advice on modification or continuity of therapies,” added Dr. Noori.“With the help of the new available medicines and treatments now available UAE market, patients living with MS can continue living their lives as usual while following the necessary health guidelines.”

With regards to family planning, female MS patients have expressed varying degrees of fear, according to Dr. Mona Thakre, Consultant Neurologist at Al Zahra Hospital. “In light of new data and approvals, we can now continue some medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and those don’t need to be discontinued. Multiple sclerosis itself does not increase the risk of infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, or adverse neonatal outcomes.”

According to Dr. Ahmed Shatila, Consultant Neurologist at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Hospital, patients should remain in close contact with their doctors at this time to ensure that their treatment is not affected by the shifts in lifestyle brought about by the pandemic.“Telemedicine and virtual checkups are particularly useful to reduce exposure to unnecessary risk,” he explained. “We advise all patients living with MS, to wear a mask– just as everyone should – and preferably gloves as well. They should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds after every contact.”

In addition to following the MS therapies as prescribed by their doctors, MS patients are encouraged to follow international guidelines for social distancing, including staying at home and avoiding going outdoors unless absolutely necessary

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition which sees the body attacking itself by progressively destroying the myelin sheaths that protect the nerves in the brain and spine. This disrupts the flow of information between the brain and body. Common symptoms include temporary loss of vision, bowel and bladder problems, numbness and tingling sensations, speech problems, and fatigue.The exact cause of MS is still unknown, although it is believed that certain environmental factors can act as risk factors and trigger the condition.

Approximately 2.3 million people have been diagnosed with MS worldwide (according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society), with the disease usually affecting those between the ages of 20 and 40. In the UAE, studies show that the prevalence of MS is approximately 64 cases per 100,000 people – a figure that is almost double the global average.Out of the 284 patients identified in the UAE by a locally led 2011 study, 190 (69.9%) were female and 94 (30.1%) were male.