Pregnancy in epileptic patients: comparison between well-established therapeutic strategies and opportunities coming from new drugs

Pregnancy in epileptic patients: comparison between well-established therapeutic strategies and opportunities coming from new drugs

Authors

  • Francesca Pizzo Centro di Riferimento Regionale Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie, Neurologia II, AOU Careggi, Firenze
  • Arianna Dilaghi Centro di Riferimento Regionale Tossicologia Perinatale, AOU Careggi, Firenze
  • Anna Maria Romoli Centro di Riferimento Regionale Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie, Neurologia II, AOU Careggi, Firenze
  • Silvia Pradella Centro di Riferimento Regionale Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie, Neurologia II, AOU Careggi, Firenze
  • Andrea La Licata Centro di Riferimento Regionale Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie, Neurologia II, AOU Careggi, Firenze
  • Barbara Chiocchetti Centro di Riferimento Regionale Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie, Neurologia II, AOU Careggi, Firenze
  • Alessandra Pistelli Centro di Riferimento Regionale Tossicologia Perinatale, AOU Careggi, Firenze
  • Marco Paganini Centro di Riferimento Regionale Diagnosi e Cura delle Epilessie, Neurologia II, AOU Careggi, Firenze

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7175/cmi.v7i3.890

Keywords:

Epilepsy, Pregnancy, Antiepileptic Drugs, Teratogenic Effects

Abstract

Treating women affected by epilepsy during pregnancy is challenging.  Clinicians have to consider both the teratogenic effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) and the risk of seizure recurrence. Pharmacokinetic changes during pregnancy are rapid and conspicuous so that the serum concentration of drugs can be modified and the effectiveness of AEDs cannot be guaranteed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of Major Congenital Malformation (MCM) associated with AEDs treatment during the first trimester of pregnancy. We collected data from 338 patients who contacted the Teratology Information Services of XXX University Hospital and we found that only the variable monotherapy vs politherapy had statistical significance for MCM. More studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of newer AEDs.

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Published

2013-12-20

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2013)

Section

Clinical management

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