title: Management of pregnancy in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria on long-term eculizumab.
abstract: Pregnancy in women with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is associated with increased maternal and fetal complications, to such an extent that PNH has for long been considered a relative contraindication for pregnancy. The most serious life-threatening complications are venous thromboembolic events, the risk of which is increased by the hypercoagulable state related to pregnancy. Eculizumab, a C5 complement inhibitor, has revolutionized the treatment of PNH. However, there are no published trials evaluating its use in pregnancy. Most recommendations are based on expert opinions and case reports. We report on the favorable outcome of a PNH patient who became pregnant while under eculizumab, suggesting that this drug can be given from conception to delivery.
authors: aDepartment of Hematology bDepartment of Clinical Biology cDepartment of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
authors: Marie-Christiane
authors: MC
authors: Vekemans
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Lambert
authors: Augustin
authors: A
authors: Ferrant
authors: Pascale
authors: P
authors: Saussoy
authors: Violaine
authors: V
authors: Havelange
authors: Frédéric
authors: F
authors: Debiève
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Van Den Neste
authors: Lucienne
authors: L
authors: Michaux
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D005260:Female; D006457:Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; C481642:eculizumab