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Preschool behavioral problems in children prenatally exposed to antiepileptic drugs - a follow-up study

D Kjaer1, J Christensen, B H Bech

  • 1Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is linked to behavioral issues in preschoolers. Children exposed to AEDs showed more behavioral problems compared to those not exposed, even when accounting for maternal epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Maternal epilepsy affects pregnancy outcomes.
  • Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly used to manage epilepsy.
  • The impact of prenatal AED exposure on child behavior requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal epilepsy, AED treatment during pregnancy, and behavioral problems in preschool children.
  • To compare behavioral outcomes in children exposed to AEDs versus those not exposed.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Danish National Birth Cohort to identify children aged 4-5 years.
  • Compared children exposed to AEDs (n=133), children of mothers with epilepsy not on AEDs (n=304), and controls (n=1193).
  • Assessed behavioral problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Main Results:

  • Children prenatally exposed to AEDs had significantly higher odds of abnormal total SDQ scores compared to children of women without epilepsy (OR=4.8).
  • Children exposed to AEDs also showed increased odds of behavioral problems compared to children of mothers with epilepsy not treated with AEDs (OR=4.0).
  • Findings remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders and maternal epilepsy.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems in preschool children.
  • This association persists even when controlling for maternal epilepsy and other confounding factors.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and long-term implications of prenatal AED exposure on neurodevelopment.

Keywords:
AEDAnticonvulsantsBehavioral developmentBirth cohortCIFollow-up studyIQMaternal epilepsyORPregnancySDQStrengths and Difficulties Questionnaireantiepileptic drugconfidence intervalintelligence quotientodds ratio

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