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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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[Pharmacological treatment of women with epilepsy before and during pregnancy]

B Müffelmann1, C G Bien2

  • 1Epilepsie-Zentrum Bethel, Krankenhaus Mara I, Maraweg 17-21, 33617, Bielefeld, Deutschland. Birgitt.Mueffelmann@mara.de.

Der Nervenarzt
|September 16, 2016
PubMed

In the vast majority of women with epilepsy, no complications occur during pregnancy. Important for that is early, preconceptional counseling and close surveillance during pregnancy. The aim should be to maintain the best possible seizure control without occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures while using antiepileptic drugs and with the lowest possible risk of malformations. The warnings for the prescription of valproic acid in women of reproductive age were tightened because of the dose-dependent increase in the malformation rate and other risks, especially regarding adverse effects on childhood cognitive development. The pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy require monitoring of serum drug levels and an early dose adjustment. Breastfeeding should be encouraged in women with epilepsy taking antiepileptic drugs as long as infants are closely monitored with respect to possible sedation and poor drinking.

Keywords:
Antiepileptic drugsCognitionEpilepsyMalformationPregnancy

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