title: Fetal, neonatal and developmental outcomes of lithium-exposed pregnancies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many women with a bipolar disorder are of reproductive age and will need to continue lithium treatment during pregnancy. The teratogenic and perinatal effects of lithium are known, but not the long-term effects of lithium on neurodevelopment of the children. This study investigates growth, neurological, cognitive and behavioral development of children exposed to lithium in utero.
  
  
  METHODS
  In an observational retrospective cohort study 15 children who were exposed to lithium in utero were investigated at 3-15 years of age. Neurological development was tested using the Hempel or Touwen examination. Cognitive development was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III, Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist to assess behavioral development and a standard questionnaire about general development of the child since birth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One child had signs of a minor neurological dysfunction, but without further clinical implications. The results of the cognitive tests were within normal limits, although most children had lower scores on the performance IQ subtest. Growth, behavior and general development were within the normal range.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Continuing lithium therapy during pregnancy did not cause adverse effects on growth, neurological, cognitive and behavioral development of exposed children.
authors: Department of Pediatrics Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors: N Margreth
authors: NM
authors: van der Lugt
authors: Josephine S
authors: JS
authors: van de Maat
authors: Inge L
authors: IL
authors: van Kamp
authors: Elise A M
authors: EA
authors: Knoppert-van der Klein
authors: Jacqueline G F M
authors: JG
authors: Hovens
authors: Frans J
authors: FJ
authors: Walther
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006803:Human Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D018020:Lithium Compounds