Treatment of epilepsy in women of child-bearing age: patients' opinion of teratogenic potential of valproate.
83 epileptic women of child-bearing age in treatment with valproate were informed of the potential teratogenic effect of valproate and the precautions available to avoid the suspected risk of malformation i.e. neural tube defect. 66% of the women wished and were able to be pregnant. Out of these 51% at present preferred to continue with valproate. 9% of the patients were immediately switched to other antiepileptic drugs and the remaining part had not yet made up their minds. The study demonstrates that following the statement from the Danish Health Authorities it is difficult also to pay attention to the individual wishes of the women.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014635:Valproic Acid