A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has uncovered significant disparities in pregnancy outcomes among women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
The research, led by Dr. Riley Bove, a National MS Society Harry Weaver Scholar, examined medical records from nine MS centers, analyzing 294 pregnancies resulting in live births between 2010 and 2021.
Key findings reveal that Black and Hispanic/Latinx women with MS tend to enter pregnancy at a younger age and with higher levels of disability compared to their white counterparts. The study also found disparities in healthcare access, with white women more likely to have private insurance and receive early ultrasound exams.
Delivery outcomes varied across groups, with Black women experiencing the highest rates of emergency cesarean deliveries. Hispanic/Latinx women, however, had the fewest delivery complications. Notably, babies born to Black and Hispanic/Latinx mothers tended to have lower birthweights.
Dr. Bove suggests that factors such as transportation availability, insurance types, social support, and access to prenatal care may contribute to these disparities.
This research highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and improved healthcare access for minority women with MS. It adds to the growing body of evidence on health disparities in MS care and emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to ensure equitable outcomes for all patients.
The study’s findings are expected to inform ongoing efforts to enhance care for individuals living with MS, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds during pregnancy.
See “Disparities in Pregnancy Experiences Found Among Black, Hispanic/Latinx and White Women with MS” (January 25, 2024)
