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Behavioral characteristics and cognitive development among school age children born to women with epilepsy

Betül T Güveli, Candan Gürses, Dilek Ataklı

    Neurological Research
    |October 14, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    Antiepileptic drug (AED) exposure in utero may impact child development. Polytherapy exposure was linked to lower performance IQ scores in children born to women with epilepsy.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Developmental Pediatrics
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • In utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with increased risks of congenital malformations and later cognitive/behavioral deficits.
    • This study investigates the impact of prenatal AED exposure on school-aged children born to mothers with epilepsy.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effects of prenatal antiepileptic drug exposure on behavioral and cognitive development in children.
    • To compare outcomes between children exposed to AED monotherapy, polytherapy, or no AEDs during pregnancy.

    Main Methods:

    • Children aged 6-15 years born to women with epilepsy were assessed.
    • Cognitive function was evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for the Children-Revised (WISC-R).
    • Maternal factors, including education and IQ, and sibling data were analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Maternal education level significantly influenced child IQ development.
    • Children exposed to AED polytherapy in utero showed lower performance IQ scores compared to those exposed to monotherapy.
    • Sibling analysis suggested a potential negative impact of valproate on IQ.

    Conclusions:

    • Minimizing AED dosage is crucial for supporting healthy cognitive and behavioral development in children.
    • Prenatal AED exposure, particularly polytherapy, may negatively affect cognitive outcomes.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    Antiepileptic drugs,Cognitive behavioral developmentEpilepsy,Pregnancy,Teratogenicity,

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