OVERVIEW

Thanks to studies conducted over the past 20 years, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is no longer considered an obstacle to pregnancy planning, and the number of women with MS choosing motherhood is increasing. The growing use of new disease-modifying therapies in women of childbearing age, the complexity of therapeutic scenarios, and the widespread use of assisted reproduction techniques require specialists involved in patient care to deepen their knowledge in these areas. This masterclass aims to provide the necessary tools for the appropriate multidisciplinary management of women with MS during pregnancy, in order to safeguard the physical and mental health of the mother, child, and couple.

The masterclass will draw on the extensive experience of the multidisciplinary Pregnancy Unit ‘SMamma,’ established in 2016 at the UOSD Multiple Sclerosis Center of the Policlinico di Tor Vergata. This unit employs a pioneering management model that optimizes counseling and clinical outcomes for women with MS who choose to pursue pregnancy. During the masterclass, the topic of pregnancy in women with other antibody mediated autoimmune neurological conditions, such as Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and Myasthenia gravis (MG) will also be addressed.

An integral part of the program will be in-depth workshops on clinical cases, which will be discussed with experts. Additional online sessions for clinical case discussions will be organized after the meeting as part of this continuous medical education program.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Define clinical and molecular prognostic indicators for disease reactivation during pregnancy and postpartum
• Acquire new knowledge regarding the immunology of pregnancy in treated and untreated women
• Implement fertility screening in men and women with MS in the treatment decision making
• Optimize preconception counseling in women with NMOsd and MG and manage therapy
• Facilitate the dissemination of the innovative management model of the multisciplinary ‘MS Pregnancy Unit’

TARGET AUDIENCE 

This educational activity is designed for Neurologists, gynecologists, nurses, biologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, infectivologists with special interest or focus in MS and other antibody mediated neurological disease

REGISTRATION FEES

Early Bird: Register by May 31st to secure your discounted fee: 

330€

This fee includes:

• Scientific sessions
• Post-event webinars
• Conference materials
• Lunches and coffee breaks
• Social dinners
   

630€

This fee includes:

• Scientific sessions
• Post-event webinars
• Conference materials
• Lunches and coffee breaks
• Social Dinners
• Accommodation at the conference venue on September 10th and 11th
   

Full Registration: from June 1st

390€

This fee includes:

• Scientific sessions
• Post-event webinars
• Conference materials
• Lunches and coffee breaks
• Social dinners
   

690€

This fee includes:

• Scientific sessions
• Post-event webinars
• Conference materials
• Lunches and coffee breaks
• Social Dinners
• Accommodation at the conference venue on September 10th and 11th
   

ACCREDITIATION

This educational activity will be submitted to the Italian Ministry of Health and to the EACCME for CME accreditation.

SCIENTIFIC ORGANISERS:

Gerola A. Marfia and Doriana Landi

Tor Vergata University

MS Centre

Policlinico of Tor Vergata

Rome, Italy

KEY SCIENTIFIC TOPICS
Session 1             Epidemiology of Pregnancy and Maternal Outcomes

• Parenthood in MS: Historic and Current Perspectives
• Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes in MS: Past and Present
• Pregnancy in MS as a Statistical Model: Complexity, Limitations, New approaches

Session 2             Immunology of pregnancy

• Female hormones dynamic during pregnancy and post-partum and the maternal-fetal interface
• Immunology of Pregnancy and Postpartum in MS and antibody mediated autoimmune neurological conditions
• Infectious Risk, passive immunization and maternal and infantile vaccinations in MS and  antibody mediated autoimmune neurological diseases
   

Session 3            DMTs management during pregnancy and breastfeeding and fetal outcomes

• Exposure to DMTs and Fetal Outcomes: Current Treatment Guidelines
• Pregnancy Registries and Pharmacovigilance: Opportunities and Limitations
• Breastfeeding: Implications for Mother and Child

Session 4 Obstetric management and children outcomes

• Obstetric management and complications in MS and antibody-mediated disorders
• Risk of Genetic Transmission of MS
• Long-Term Data and Neurodevelopmental Anomalies in Children Born to Mothers with MS
   

Session 5             Fertility and MS

• Male and Female Fertility in MS and antibody-mediated neurological diseases: The Role of Autoimmunity and Disease-Modifying Drugs
• Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART): procedures and opportunities
• Maternal and Pregnancy Clinical Outcomes in Women with MS undergoing ART
   

Session 6             Psychological and Social Impact of Pregnancy in MS

• The Symbolic and Social Meaning of Pregnancy for Women with MS and Their Partners, and Couple Dynamics in MS
• Impact of MS on Family Functioning

Session 7             Pregnancy in Antibody-Mediated neurological diseases

• Dynamic of maternal-fetal antibody transfer during pregnancy: implications for neonatal diseases and protections from infections
• Maternal-Fetal Outcomes in Women with NMOsd and MOGAD
• Maternal-Fetal Outcomes in Women with Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
   

Session 8            Management Models

Round Table: The Maternity Care Unit in autoimmune neurological disorders: state of the art in Europe and initiatives to improve the model

Follow Up Online modules 

Two different learning appointments, dedicated only to the in-person Masterclass attendees. Each workshop will focus on specific topics. During the sessions participants will have the opportunity to practice, acquire knowledge and competences by sharing their clinical cases and discussing their approach with experts.

November 5, 2025

Online Module n. 1

Chairs: D.Landi (Italy), G.Marfia (Italy)

December 4, 2025

Online Module n. 2

Chairs: D.Landi (Italy), G.Marfia (Italy)

Diplomas will be delivered to attendees at the end of the educational Pathway.