2024 Volume 60 Issue 2 Pages 213-219
Objective: To investigate changes in the management of pregnancies complicated by epilepsy and their perinatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective investigation of 104 pregnancies complicated by epilepsy performed between January 2007 and December 2022 at our institution. Results: Complications included seven miscarriages, one stillbirth, and 96 live births. The proportion of pregnancies complicated by epilepsy gradually increased, reaching 1.25% in 2022. Antiepileptic seizure medications were being used in 64.4% of cases at the time of pregnancy diagnosis, with the use of less teratogenic drugs increasing in recent years. The use of concomitant folic acid prior to pregnancy has increased, with 80-100% of pregnant women taking it in the last four years. One fetal death was recorded, while 96 infants survived. There were 3 cases of neonatal anomalies, which is similar to controls. Ten infants delivered from the mothers using antiepileptic seizure medications at delivery required management for drug withdrawal syndrome. Conclusion: Appropriate antiepileptic drug selection and folic acid should be used before conception, the pregnancy and postpartum period should be closely managed, and the newborn delivered in a facility with appropriate care.
