Cohort study of forceps delivery and the risk of epilepsy in adulthood.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between forceps delivery and epilepsy in adulthood. Study design We conducted a cohort study of 21,441 births with record linkage to data from the Tayside Medicine Monitoring unit (MEMO) and Scottish morbidity records (SMR1).


RESULTS
Delivery by forceps was not associated with epilepsy compared with all other deliveries, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.0 (95 % CI, 0.6-1.8). Epilepsy in adulthood was associated with a family history of epilepsy, adjusted OR 2.4 (95% CI, 1.7-3.2), increasing social deprivation, adjusted OR 1.1 for each Carstairs score (95% CI, 1.0-1.2), and male gender, adjusted OR 1.4 (95% CI, 1.0-1.8). Preterm birth was associated with an increased risk of epilepsy, adjusted OR 2.0 (95% CI, 1.2-3.2) but no other antenatal, intrapartum, or neonatal risk factors were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings do not suggest an association between forceps delivery and epilepsy in adulthood; however, preterm birth may be an important risk factor.
Murphy
Deirdre J
DJ
Department of Maternal and Child Health Sciences, Medicines Monitoring Unit, University of Dundee, Ninewell Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Libby
Gillian
G
Chien
Patrick
P
Forsyth
Stewart
S
Greene
Stephen
S
Morris
Andrew
A
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005113:Extraction, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008498:Medical Record Linkage; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors