New research indicates that children born to mothers who took specific antiseizure medications during pregnancy face higher risks of neurodevelopmental issues. The findings encourage pregnant women on these medications to seek personalized medical advice.
A study conducted by a team of international researchers suggests that children born to mothers who take antiseizure medications during pregnancy may encounter increased risks of neurodevelopmental conditions.
The study analyzed data from more than 3 million children in the United Kingdom and Sweden, including 17,495 who were exposed to antiseizure medications in utero.
The research team discovered that children exposed to the antiseizure drug lamotrigine did not face additional risks for autism or intellectual disability compared to those exposed to other antiseizure drugs. However, other medications like valproate, topiramate and carbamazepine were linked to certain neurodevelopmental issues.
Published in Nature Communications, the study underscores the importance of personalized medical consultations for pregnant women taking these medications.
“Our findings suggest that while certain medications may pose some risk, lamotrigine may be a less risky option,” co-senior author Brian K. Lee, a professor in the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, said in a news release. “Active monitoring of any antiseizure medication is critical to ensure safety and effectiveness, particularly during pregnancy.”
In terms of absolute risk, the researchers noted that the percentage of children affected remains relatively low. Children exposed to topiramate during pregnancy were 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with intellectual disability, increasing their risk to 2.1% by age 12 compared to unexposed children.
This study provides a nuanced look at the impact of these medications, diverging from earlier findings that linked topiramate or levetiracetam to ADHD.
The authors emphasized that their data does not advocate against the use of antiseizure medications but encourages patients to consult healthcare providers to determine the safest course of treatment.
“Decisions should be made that are tailored to individual patients,” co-lead author Paul Madley-Dowd, a research fellow at the University of Bristol, said in the news release. “Stopping antiseizure medications can cause individual harm and harm to offspring, so these conversations always need to happen with a clinician.”
The study corroborates previous findings that have associated in utero exposure to valproate, topiramate and carbamazepine with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, such as autism, intellectual disability and ADHD. The researchers used comprehensive data from drug prescriptions in the UK and Sweden, combined with electronic health records for diagnoses.
“The link between these drugs and children’s neurodevelopmental outcomes is there, even if the risk isn’t much higher than it is in the unexposed population,” added co-lead author Viktor H. Ahlqvist, a postdoctoral researcher at Karolinska Institutet. “If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, and taking one of these medications, it may be worth talking with your physician to make sure you’re taking the best medicine for your needs while minimizing risk to future children.”
The researchers highlight the necessity of continued investigation into the safety of these drugs across various populations as medical treatments evolve.
This impactful Drexel University study not only shines a light on the complex relationship between antiseizure medications and neurodevelopment but also stresses the importance of personalized medical care during pregnancy. As further research unfolds, expectant mothers are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in ongoing conversations about treatment safety.