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[Health status of children born to mothers with epilepsy]
Insights
Children born to mothers with epilepsy face a higher risk of seizures. Anticonvulsant treatment during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital anomalies and premature birth in offspring.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
Context:
- Epilepsy in mothers poses potential risks to offspring development.
- Understanding the impact of maternal epilepsy and its treatment on children is crucial for prenatal and postnatal care.
Purpose:
- To investigate the neurological and developmental outcomes in children of mothers with epilepsy.
- To assess the risks of congenital anomalies, seizures, and psychological effects in offspring exposed to maternal epilepsy and anticonvulsant treatment.
Summary:
- This study compared 168 children of mothers with epilepsy to 94 children of healthy mothers, matched for age and sex.
- Children of epileptic mothers exhibited a significantly higher frequency of seizures.
- Maternal epilepsy and anticonvulsant use during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies and potentially premature labor, but not significant psychological effects.
Impact:
- Highlights the increased risk of seizures in children of mothers with epilepsy.
- Suggests a link between maternal anticonvulsant therapy during pregnancy and adverse congenital outcomes.
- Informs clinical practice regarding risk assessment and management for pregnant women with epilepsy and their children.
Abstract:
The authors studied 168 children of mothers with the diagnosis of epilepsy, with 94 of them aged below 15 years whose conception occurred already during the disease of the mother. The control group included 94 children of healthy mothers. These groups of children were matched for sex and age. The general condition was analysed with particular reference to congenital anomalies, neurological condition and psychological investigation. A statistically significantly higher frequency of seizures was observed in the children of epileptic mothers as compared with controls. Occurrence of epileptic seizures and treatment with anticonvulsants in pregnancy create an additional risk of congenital anomalies developing in offsprings, it is possible that they predispose also to premature labours. No significant effect on the psychic state of the children was found.