Semin Neurol 2022; 42(05): 679-692
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759579
Review Article

Preventing Teratogenicity in Women with Epilepsy

Michael O. Kinney
1   Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
2   School of Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
,
Phil E. M. Smith
3   Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
,
John J. Craig
1   Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Over the last 50 years there has been a significant increase in our understanding of the issues faced by women with epilepsy, in both planning and undertaking pregnancy. The risks of teratogenicity associated with antiseizure medications have emerged slowly. The major pregnancy registers have substantially contributed to our knowledge about teratogenic risk associated with the commonly used antiseizure medications. However, there are substantial gaps in our knowledge about the potential risks associated with many third-generation drugs. The remit of the pregnancy registers and the wider research focus has moved beyond anatomical major congenital malformations. Increasingly neurodevelopmental and behavioral abnormalities have been investigated after in utero exposure to antiseizure medications. Public health approaches can help reduce the risk of teratogenicity. However, neurologists still have a vital role in reducing the risk of teratogenicity at an individual level for women attending their clinic. They also have responsibility to ensure that women with epilepsy are aware of the rationale for the different available options.



Publication History

Article published online:
13 December 2022

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