title: Fetal malformations associated with the use of methylphenobarbital and carbamazepine during pregnancy. Two case reports and review of the literature.
abstract: The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of major and minor fetal malformations. This paper describes 2 infants with malformations born to epileptic mothers who used AEDs throughout pregnancy. In the first case, the AED used for seizure control was methylphenobarbital, while in the second case the patient had been prescribed carbamazepine. We noted major and minor congenital malformations in both infants exposed in utero to these anticonvulsant drugs. Pregnant women still experience poor obstetrical care because they report to tertiary centers at the end of their pregnancy or when in labor, making it difficult to provide proper medical care for both the infant and the mother.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sveti Duh General Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Alenka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aksamija
authors.forename: Dubravko
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Habek
authors.forename: Milan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stanojević
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ujević
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018811:Maternal Exposure; D008618:Mephobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine; D008618:Mephobarbital