Neurodevelopment following exposure to antiseizure medications in utero: a review

Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Jul 15. doi: 10.2174/1570159X19666210716111814. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTExposure in the womb to antiseizure medications and their potential impact on the developing child's brain has long been researched. Despite this long period of interest, this review highlights above the well-known risks associated with valproate exposure; more data is required for conclusions regarding all other antiseizure medications. Limited experience with phenytoin and phenobarbital in monotherapy clearly defines the risk to later child postnatal functioning difficult. However, the evidence of an impact is stronger for phenobarbital than for phenytoin. The widely prescribed lamotrigine is limited in its investigation compared to unexposed control children. It has been demonstrated to carry a lower risk than valproate for specific outcomes; whether associated with a more moderate impact on broader aspects of neurodevelopmental functioning is still to be understood. Data for levetiracetam, topiramate, and oxcarbazepine are too limited to conclude most neurodevelopmental outcomes confidently. This slow accumulation of evidence impacts the safest use of medications in pregnancy and makes counseling women regarding the risks and benefits of specific antiseizure drugs difficult. Improved focus, funding, and research methodologies are urgently needed.PMID:34279202 | DOI:10.2174/1570159X19666210716111814
Source: Current Neuropharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research