The needs of patients with MS in pregnancy

The Irish Neurological Association (INA) 62nd Annual Meeting brought together distinguished national and international speakers, all experts in their respective fields, to cover a wide range of topics in neurology and related areas.

The conference was opened by INA President Prof Norman Delanty, who welcomed the attendees and speakers and gave a brief overview of the history of the Association.

Prof Delanty also explained that this is the first year the event featured a specific neurogenetics platform. Other new items on the itinerary addressed resource and societal issues.

Platform presentations featured updates on neuroinflammation and autoimmune disorders, including information on different aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) care.

Attendees heard a presentation from Dr Tara Hamilton on an audit of patients with MS who attended the neuro-obstetrics clinic in Cork University Hospital between 2023 and 2026. She explained that it is not uncommon to encounter MS in the clinic, as MS predominantly affects women.

The audit aimed to determine if all patients attending the specialist neuro-obstetrics clinic with MS received appropriate education, were reviewed at least three-monthly during their pregnancy once they were linked to the service, and whether they were linked in with MS specialist nurses for extra support between appointments.

“The clinic did achieve its aim of reviewing patients at least every three months during pregnancy once they were in the service,” Dr Hamilton concluded.

“Patients also received specialised education with regards to managing their MS during pregnancy. However, there was inconsistency in documenting all areas of education, and particular areas we need to pay attention to include vitamin D supplementation,” she said, adding that vaccination requirements and the possibility of MS symptoms being exacerbated by urinary tract infections warrant further focus.

While it may not be practical to document all the topics discussed, it is planned to create an information package for patients to provide them with the information they will need in an easily accessible way, Dr Hamilton added.