Are There Any EEG Changes in Children Whose Mothers With Epilepsy Had Used Antiepileptic Drug During Pregnancy?

Abstract

The prevalence rate of epilepsy is between 4-10/1000 people in general population. It is a well-known fact that antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used during pregnancy increase the rate of congenital malformations. However, there is not enough information about the electrophysiological effects of AEDs. In this study, 127 children whose mothers have epilepsy and 33 children whose mothers are healthy, were included. Twenty nine mothers did not use AEDs whereas 98 patients used AEDs during their pregnancy. Demographic features of both mothers and children, as well as epilepsy characteristics of mothers are recorded. The EEG examinations were done awake and/or during sleep. The children whose mothers have epilepsy had higher rate of EEG abnormalities and the ratio was statistically significant. EEG abnormalities were higher in the children whose mothers had polytherapy (%50) than in the group with monotherapy (%31,7). EEG abnormalities were mostly seen (%47) in children whose mothers used VPA. Children born of patients with epilepsy who did not use folic acid with AEDs had a higher rate of EEG abnormalities and this ratio was statistically significant. It was also observed that children, whose mothers have generalized EEG abnormalities, have generalized EEG abnormalities more frequently. It is necessary to examine patients who used AEDs during pregnancy not only in terms of congenital malformations but also electrophysiological effects and to advise taking folic acid. Examining children who are born under the effect of AEDs electrophysiologically in the years following their birth may provide predictions about whether the effects of AEDs.