Evaluation of placental morphology and growth factor receptors in women receiving antiepileptic drugs: a pilot study.
A direct teratogenic effect of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on the fetus has been postulated. However, there may also be a primary effect of AEDs on placenta, with secondary consequences to the fetus. Thirteen carefully medically controlled epileptic women were followed prenatally and perinatally. Placentas from all were investigated morphologically and in two with electronmicroscopy. In nine patients, the placentas were studied with respect to insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I and IGF-II) receptor activity. In this pilot study of a group of carefully medically controlled epileptic women with low levels of AEDs, the results did not differ from normal controls. The possibility of adverse effects of higher concentrations of AEDs cannot be excluded, however.
Eeg-Olofsson
O
O
Department of Neurogenetics, Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, Quebec, Canada.
Chen
M F
MF
Andermann
E
E
Dansky
L
L
Guyda
H J
HJ
Kinch
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000378:metabolism; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010920:Placenta / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II