Epinal

Researchers are investigating the interactions between pregnancy and multiple sclerosis (MS), including related disorders such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-antibody related disorders. This national prospective study aims to better understand how pregnancy impacts MS and associated conditions, focusing on questions about disease-modifying drugs (DMDs), breastfeeding, locoregional analgesia, and the short- and long-term effects on both mother and child. The study is nested within the Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaque (OFSEP) cohort and includes patients across various MS-related diagnoses without age limits. Participants will not receive any experimental treatment but will be observed throughout pregnancy and up to one year after delivery. Their children will be followed until six years of age. The study collects data on pregnancy-related factors, use or discontinuation of DMDs, breastfeeding practices, and analgesia methods during delivery. Neurologists and researchers will gather information on the course of MS and related disorders before, during, and after pregnancy. During the study, participants will be monitored for treatment-related adverse events during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with assessments continuing for up to two years. Data collected will include clinical evaluations and long-term follow-up of both mothers and children. This comprehensive observation aims to provide clearer answers about the safety and impact of therapies and pregnancy-related factors on MS and related neurological conditions over time.

Numerous neurological disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous system are linked to immune system activity. This research focuses on rare neuroimmune conditions such as Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) and Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes (PNS). Improving diagnosis speed and accuracy for these disorders may help guide better treatment approaches in the future. Participants provide biological samples including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the study. Blood samples are collected once to obtain serum, buffy coat, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). If CSF is drawn for diagnosis, any leftover sample is also stored. Samples are collected and stored to support better diagnosis and research. During the study, participants contribute blood and possibly CSF samples which will be stored and analyzed over a long term, up to 10 years. Researchers will monitor these biological materials to better understand the disorders and develop improved diagnostic tools and treatments. The study involves consented patients with neurological disorders related to PNS or AE and may include antibody testing results.