[Antiepileptic drugs and teratogenesis]

The teratogenic risk of anticonvulsant drugs was established more than 15 years ago. Experimental and statistical studies, types of malformations, drugs incriminated, significance of epileptic seizures during pregnancy are reviewed. The percentage of congenital malformations among children from epileptic mothers is twice higher than in the general population. Such data, especially those about epidemiological investigations, can in fact be criticized. The origin of a congenital malformation is always multifactorial and genetic factors play a major role. A line of conduct may be proposed to women asking for advice before and during pregnancy. It is concluded that generally the teratogenic potential of an antiepileptic drug is low and does not contraindicate pregnancy in epileptic women.