UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

The protective role of breastfeeding in multiple sclerosis: Latest evidence and practical considerations

Collorone, S; Kodali, S; Toosy, AT; (2023) The protective role of breastfeeding in multiple sclerosis: Latest evidence and practical considerations. Frontiers in Neurology , 13 , Article 1090133. 10.3389/fneur.2022.1090133. Green open access

[thumbnail of fneur-13-1090133.pdf]
Preview
PDF
fneur-13-1090133.pdf - Published Version

Download (723kB) | Preview

Abstract

The immunoprotective role of pregnancy in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been known for decades. Conversely, there has been rich debate on the topic of breastfeeding and disease activity in MS. In clinical practice, women are often offered to restart their disease-modifying drug (DMD) soon after delivery to maintain their relapse risk protection. Limited available information about peri-partum DMD safety can discourage women to choose breastfeeding, despite the World Health Organization's recommendation to breastfeed children for the first 6 months of life exclusively. New evidence is emerging about the protective role of exclusive breastfeeding on relapse rate. Research studies shed light on the hormonal and immunological mechanisms driving the risk of relapses during pregnancy and postpartum. Finally, case reports, real-world data, and clinical trials are increasing our knowledge of the safety of DMDs for the fetus and infant. While some DMDs must be avoided, others may be considered in highly active pregnant or lactating women with MS. This mini-review conveys recent evidence regarding the protective role of exclusive breastfeeding in MS and offers clinicians practical considerations for a patient-tailored approach.

Type: Article
Title: The protective role of breastfeeding in multiple sclerosis: Latest evidence and practical considerations
Location: Switzerland
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1090133
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.1090133
Language: English
Additional information: © 2023 Collorone, Kodali and Toosy. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Keywords: breastfeeding, drug therapy, immune system, multiple sclerosis, pregnancy
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology > Neuroinflammation
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10165270
Downloads since deposit
33Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item