title: Postpartum optic neuritis: etiologic and pathophysiologic considerations.
abstract: The clinical course of four patients with visual loss in the postpartum period due to acute optic neuritis is described. Factors that disclosed the underlying etiology and expression of disease are discussed. The clinical records of four women examined and managed for visual loss after uncomplicated pregnancies and term deliveries were reviewed. Neurodiagnostic examination, treatment modalities, and outcomes were assessed. These four women with varied and confounding medical histories, all with optic neuropathy, eventually were demonstrated to harbor demyelinating disease. Although visual loss in the postpartum period evokes differential diagnostic considerations, the authors' experience suggests that puerperal immune-mediated changes are responsible for activation of optic neuritis associated with relapsing multiple sclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Leiba
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Glaser
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Schatz
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Siatkowski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone