Epilepsy is a common neurological condition with gender-related management implications. The potential risk of using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a major concern for women with epilepsy who are considering pregnancy. Traditional AEDs are associated with an at least twofold risk of fetal malformation compared with the general population. The risks with the newer AEDs are still unclear and there is an urgent need for further kinetic data from pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: A review of literature referable to management issues for women with epilepsy (WWE) was undertaken for the discussion of treatment approach. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the following key words/phrases: epilepsy/seizures and pregnancy, antiepileptic drugs, pharmacokinetics, teratogenesis, birth defects, malformations, and use of folate/folic acid. DISCUSSION: Pregnancy outcome literature for WWE spans several decades. Methodology varies and interpretation is complicated by modern management strategies. Contributions of the use of antiepileptic drugs, their pharmacokinetics, occurrence of maternal epilepsy, and seizures during pregnancy to adverse pregnancy outcomes have not been clearly delineated. CONCLUSIONS: WWE face health issues for which there are no available outcome literature to guide decision-making.
Epilepsy; pregnancy; malformations; antiepileptic drugs; seizures