DR. JAYASRI KANTHALU NARAYANAMOORTHY

Dr.Mahesh Kumar S, Dr. KOWSALYA AKKAYASAMY

Abstract

Lactational optic neuritis is an enigmatic entity in which women who developed optic neuritis within 1-12 months while breast feeding their infants. Aim: To assess the clinical profile, treatment and visual recovery pattern of six cases who had optic neuritis during lactation. Design: Retrospective analysis over a period of 6 months. Investigated ophthalmoscopically and neurologically. The course of the disorder was similar to classic optic neuritis. All 6 patients were initially treated with B vitamins, breast feeding was stopped and observed for 1 week. Results: Out of 6 patients, 3 cases had good visual recovery with vitamins alone. Other 3 cases were treated with steroids along with vitamins. Overall visual prognosis was good.Conclusion: In our case series, Nutritional deficiency is the main cause of optic neuritis. Pregnancy appears to be an immune protective period, but the lactational period is immunologically prime for exacerbation of demyelinating or autoimmune diseases.

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