title: The efficacy of the newer antiepileptic drugs in controlling seizures in pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effectiveness of the newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)-in particular lamotrigine, topiramate, and levetiracetam-in controlling epileptic seizures in pregnant women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis of data in the Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy concerning seizure control in 1,534 pregnancies in women with AED-treated epilepsies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In AED monotherapy (1,111 pregnancies), use of levetiracetam in pregnancies in the Australian Register was associated with levels of seizure control similar to those that applied for the major older AEDs carbamazepine and valproate, but with levels of seizure control superior to those associated with use of lamotrigine and topiramate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Levetiracetam shows promise as a satisfactory drug for controlling seizures in pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Frank J E
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Vajda
authors.forename: Terrence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Cecilie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lander
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: Mervyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eadie
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D012042:Registries; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000077236:Topiramate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D010889:Piracetam
keywords: Antiepileptic drugs; Lamotrigine; Levetiracetam; Pregnancy; Seizures; Topiramate