Associations Between Maternal Epilepsy, Antiseizure Medication Use During Pregnancy, and Risks of Severe Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes
New Research Findings
A recent multinational study comprising 4,511,267 pregnancies revealed a considerably higher risk of severe maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with maternal epilepsy and the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) during pregnancy.
Impact on Maternal Health
The study found that maternal epilepsy was associated with an increased risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM), which includes conditions such as hemorrhage, infection, organ failure, and death. The risk of SMM was highest among women with uncontrolled epilepsy.
Impact on Perinatal Outcomes
Maternal epilepsy and ASM use were also associated with increased perinatal mortality and morbidity, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital malformations. The risk of these outcomes was higher with certain types of ASMs, such as valproate.
Implications for Maternal and Child Care
These findings highlight the importance of optimizing epilepsy management before and during pregnancy to minimize risks to both the mother and the baby. Close collaboration between neurologists, obstetricians, and other healthcare providers is essential to ensure appropriate medication selection and monitoring, as well as timely interventions to prevent or manage complications.
Comments