Cognitive/behavioral Teratogenetic Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs

Overview

Journal Epilepsy Behav

Specialties Neurology
Psychology
Social Sciences

Date 2007 Nov 13

PMID 17996637

Citations 21

Authors

Kimford J Meador

Gus Baker

Morris J Cohen

Eija Gaily

Michael Westerveld

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The majority of children of mothers with epilepsy are normal, but they are at increased risk for developmental delay. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) appear to play a role. Our current knowledge is reviewed, including research design issues and recommendations for future research. In animals, exposure of the immature brain to some AEDs can produce widespread neuronal apoptosis and behavioral deficits. The risks of AEDs in humans are less clear, but recent studies raise concerns, especially for valproate. There is a critical need for well-designed systematic research to improve our understanding of AED effects on the fetal brain.

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