title: Cognitive/behavioral teratogenetic effects of antiepileptic drugs.
abstract: The majority of children of mothers with epilepsy are normal, but they are at increased risk for developmental delay. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) appear to play a role. Our current knowledge is reviewed, including research design issues and recommendations for future research. In animals, exposure of the immature brain to some AEDs can produce widespread neuronal apoptosis and behavioral deficits. The risks of AEDs in humans are less clear, but recent studies raise concerns, especially for valproate. There is a critical need for well-designed systematic research to improve our understanding of AED effects on the fetal brain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. kimford.meador@neurology.ufl.edu
authors.forename: Kimford J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Meador
authors.forename: Gus
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Morris J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Eija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gaily
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Westerveld
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D013723:Teratogens
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D013723:Teratogens