Neurocognitive Outcomes of In Utero Exposure to Antiseizure Medication: An Australian Cohort Study

Overview

A new Australian cohort study adds to growing evidence that some antiseizure medications taken during pregnancy may affect a child’s later cognitive development. In this study, children exposed in the womb to valproate, levetiracetam, topiramate, or carbamazepine performed worse in several cognitive domains than children who were not exposed to antiseizure medications. Children exposed to lamotrigine, however, performed similarly to unexposed peers.

This is an important topic because many women with epilepsy need to continue antiseizure medication during pregnancy to prevent seizures, which can also endanger both mother and baby. The challenge is finding a treatment that balances seizure control with fetal safety. Neurocognitive outcomes are especially important because they can affect learning, memory, attention, language, and school performance over time.