title: Antiepileptic treatment in pregnant women: morphological and behavioural effects.
abstract: It is well established that children exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including foetal growth retardation, major congenital malformations and impaired postnatal cognitive development. However, due to the significant maternal and foetal risks associated with uncontrolled epileptic seizures, AED treatment is generally maintained during pregnancy in the majority of women with active epilepsy. The prevalence of major malformations in children exposed to AEDs has ranged from 4 to 10%, 2-4 times higher than in the general population. More recent studies suggest a smaller increase in malformation rates. Malformation rates have consistently been higher in association with exposure to valproate than with carbamazepine and lamotrigine. Some prospective cohort studies also indicate reduced cognitive outcome in children exposed to valproate compared to carbamazepine and possibly lamotrigine. Information on pregnancy outcomes with newer generation AEDs other than lamotrigine are still insufficient.
authors: Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. torbjorn.tomson@karolinska.se
authors: Torbjörn
authors: T
authors: Tomson
authors: Dina
authors: D
authors: Battino
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013723:Teratogens / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D013723:Teratogens