Objectives To assess hematologic abnormalities in breastfed infants of mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving anti-CD20 therapies. Methods Breastfed infants with maternal anti-CD20 use were identified. Infant blood draws examined B-cell (CD19) and hematological counts. Results Nine of 10 identified infants had CD19 percentages in ranges expected for age. One infant had CD19 levels below the 5 th percentile but was interpreted by their treating pediatrician as normal for age, with no increase in infections reported. Discussion The absence of significant CD19 abnormalities in our cohort may indicate infant hematology safety. This may allow mothers MS to utilize anti-CD20 therapies while breastfeeding.
Shah et al. (Wed,) studied this question.