Epilepsy: Antiepileptic drugs have a dose-dependent association with malformations in offspring of women with epilepsy.

摘要

The risk of malformations in offspring is increased in a dose-dependent manner by monotherapy with any of the four major antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. This association was identified by the EURAP Study Group, in a large observational study using data from physicians in many countries. Women with epilepsy normally continue treatment during pregnancy, as seizures can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus. Research has shown, however, that many antiepileptic drugs are teratogenic, increasing the risk of malformations in the offspring. Tomson explained that he and his colleagues aimed to use data from the EURAP epilepsy and pregnancy registry "to compare different treatment with regard to risks for major congenital malformations."