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Teuwen DE, Ndayisenga A, Garrez I, Sebera F, Mutungirehe S, Umwiringirwa J, Ndiaye M, Umuhoza G, Boon PAJM, Dedeken P. Challenges to epilepsy management in Rwandan women living with epilepsy. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16254. [PMID: 38429893 PMCID: PMC11235829 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In Rwanda, epilepsy prevalence ranges between 29‰ and 49‰. Many women living with epilepsy (WwE) are of childbearing age. Epilepsy characteristics and management, contraception, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE presenting at the neurology clinic of Ndera, Rwanda, were investigated. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study investigated demographics, epilepsy characteristics, treatment, contraception, folic acid use, pregnancy, puerperium and stigma in WwE aged ≥18 years. Subgroups were analysed by status of any pregnancy and time of epilepsy diagnosis relative to pregnancy, with significant differences expected. RESULTS During December 2020 and January 2021, a hundred WwE were enrolled (range 18-67 years). Fifty-two women had never been pregnant, 39 women had epilepsy onset before pregnancy and nine were diagnosed after pregnancy. No significant differences in age, marital status or occupation were observed. Contraception was used by 27%, of whom 50% were taking enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic medication. Valproate was used by 46% of WwE of reproductive age. Thirty-nine women with epilepsy onset before pregnancy reported 91 pregnancies, with 14% spontaneous abortions. None used folic acid before conception, and 59% only during pregnancy. Five of 78 newborns were preterm. No offspring had major congenital malformations. Nearly 25% of WwE were not compliant with their anti-epileptic medication schedule during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Internalized stigma was observed in more than 60%. Up to 25% had been discriminated against at school or work. CONCLUSION A comprehensive strategy considering the reproductive health and societal challenges of WwE is needed to drive optimal epilepsy management, reproductive health outcomes and societal inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk E. Teuwen
- Department of NeurologyUniversity HospitalGhentBelgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of NeuroscienceGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | | | - Ieme Garrez
- Department of NeurologyUniversity HospitalGhentBelgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of NeuroscienceGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Fidèle Sebera
- Department of NeurologyUniversity HospitalGhentBelgium
- Department of NeurologyNdera Neuropsychiatric Teaching HospitalKigaliRwanda
- Department of Internal MedicineCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de KigaliKigaliRwanda
| | | | | | - Mustapha Ndiaye
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and OdontologyCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de FANN, Université Cheik Anta DiopDakarSenegal
| | | | - Paul A. J. M. Boon
- Department of NeurologyUniversity HospitalGhentBelgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of NeuroscienceGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Peter Dedeken
- Department of NeurologyUniversity HospitalGhentBelgium
- 4Brain, Department of Neurology, Institute of NeuroscienceGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Department of NeurologyHeilig Hart ZiekenhuisLierBelgium
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Gasa PS, Tomita A, Juby V, Paruk S. The valproate prescription pattern for female mental healthcare users of reproductive age. S Afr J Psychiatr 2024; 30:2158. [PMID: 38628904 PMCID: PMC11019080 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sodium valproate (valproate) that is used both as an anti-epileptic and a mood stabiliser is teratogenic in pregnancy. A Dear Health Care Professional Letter (DHCPL) issued in December 2015 recommended the avoidance of sodium valproate prescription in women of childbearing age (WOCBA) and pregnant women. Aim This study aimed to describe the prescription pattern of valproate in female mental healthcare users (MHCUs). Setting Regional hospital psychiatry department in King Dinizulu Hospital Complex, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Methods This was a descriptive, retrospective chart review of female in- and out-patient aged 12-55 years who were receiving a valproate prescription for mental illness between 01 January 2018 and 31 December 2020. Results Of the 158 females who received valproate during the study period, 15 (9.5%) had it tapered off while 143 (90.5%) were continued. Only 19% of all the patients had documented counselling regarding valproate, 19 (12%) had documented contraceptive use, and six (3.8%) continued its use at any point during pregnancy. The most frequently prescribed dose range was 800 mg - 1499 mg/day (n = 111, 70.7%) and the most common psychiatric indication was a psychotic disorder. Conclusion This study showed that prescription of valproate in female MHCUs still occurs in practice in a referral centre in South Africa despite the guidelines outlining management of those of reproductive age on valproate. The prescription pattern and monitoring of valproate were poorly documented in relation to the guideline. Contribution This study highlights the lack of adherence to recommendations regarding the prescription of valproate in WOCBA and the need for improved documentation of the indications, consent and counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phumla S Gasa
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew Tomita
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Vidette Juby
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Saeeda Paruk
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Leke AZ, Malherbe H, Kalk E, Mehta U, Kisa P, Botto LD, Ayede I, Fairlie L, Maboh NM, Orioli I, Zash R, Kusolo R, Mumpe-Mwanja D, Serujogi R, Bongomin B, Osoro C, Dah C, Sentumbwe–Mugisha O, Shabani HK, Musoke P, Dolk H, Barlow-Mosha L. The burden, prevention and care of infants and children with congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001850. [PMID: 37379291 PMCID: PMC10306220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this scoping review was to determine the scope, objectives and methodology of contemporary published research on congenital anomalies (CAs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to inform activities of the newly established sub-Saharan African Congenital Anomaly Network (sSCAN). MEDLINE was searched for CA-related articles published between January 2016 and June 2021. Articles were classified into four main areas (public health burden, surveillance, prevention, care) and their objectives and methodologies summarized. Of the 532 articles identified, 255 were included. The articles originated from 22 of the 49 SSA countries, with four countries contributing 60% of the articles: Nigeria (22.0%), Ethiopia (14.1%), Uganda (11.7%) and South Africa (11.7%). Only 5.5% of studies involved multiple countries within the region. Most articles included CA as their primary focus (85%), investigated a single CA (88%), focused on CA burden (56.9%) and care (54.1%), with less coverage of surveillance (3.5%) and prevention (13.3%). The most common study designs were case studies/case series (26.6%), followed by cross-sectional surveys (17.6%), retrospective record reviews (17.3%), and cohort studies (17.2%). Studies were mainly derived from single hospitals (60.4%), with only 9% being population-based studies. Most data were obtained from retrospective review of clinical records (56.1%) or via caregiver interviews (34.9%). Few papers included stillbirths (7.5%), prenatally diagnosed CAs (3.5%) or terminations of pregnancy for CA (2.4%).This first-of-a-kind-scoping review on CA in SSA demonstrated an increasing level of awareness and recognition among researchers in SSA of the contribution of CAs to under-5 mortality and morbidity in the region. The review also highlighted the need to address diagnosis, prevention, surveillance and care to meet Sustainable Development Goals 3.2 and 3.8. The SSA sub-region faces unique challenges, including fragmentation of efforts that we hope to surmount through sSCAN via a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminkeng Zawuo Leke
- Institute for Nursing and Health Research, Centre for Maternal, Fetal and Infant Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
- Centre for Infant and Maternal Health Research, Health Research Foundation, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Helen Malherbe
- Research & Epidemiology, Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, Bryanston, Sandton, South Africa
| | - Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Phylis Kisa
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lorenzo D. Botto
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- International Center on Birth Defects, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Idowu Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Lee Fairlie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nkwati Michel Maboh
- Centre for Infant and Maternal Health Research, Health Research Foundation, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ieda Orioli
- Genetics Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- ReLAMC: Latin American Network for Congenital Malformation Surveillance, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rebecca Zash
- The Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ronald Kusolo
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Mumpe-Mwanja
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Serujogi
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bodo Bongomin
- Gulu University Faculty of Medicine: Gulu, Gulu, UG/ World Health Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Caroline Osoro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clarisse Dah
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Philippa Musoke
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Dolk
- Institute for Nursing and Health Research, Centre for Maternal, Fetal and Infant Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Barlow-Mosha
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
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Ranjith S, Joshi A. Measures to Mitigate Sodium Valproate Use in Pregnant Women With Epilepsy. Cureus 2022; 14:e30144. [PMID: 36381886 PMCID: PMC9643024 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium valproate is a sodium salt of valproic acid. It is often used in the medical treatment of several conditions like epilepsy, bipolar disorder, mania, and migraines. This review debates whether the usage of valproic acid is appropriate in pregnancy. It also lists the various neonatal deformities and other teratogenic effects the said drug presents due to prenatal exposure to the drug and the implications of continuing drug therapy in certain situations. We should often weigh the outcomes and implement it only in conditions where its use is inevitable. It also includes the importance of awareness among middle-aged women with mental illness regarding the teratogenic effects of sodium valproate use and the relevance of discussion by physicians with patients regarding the usage of this drug despite being aware of the complications. It also explores other treatment options and modalities that can be used in the place of valproic acid for epilepsy and bipolar disorder in pregnant women and women of the reproductive age group, and how we can mitigate the usage of this drug by implementing various measures by referring to various guidelines present in different areas of the world. In summary, this article explores the numerous teratogenic effects sodium valproate presents in pregnancy, alternative medications, and treatment options instead of valproate. It also enumerates conditions where valproate use is necessary and how we can reduce and prevent the usage of valproate in pregnancy by opting for pregnancy prevention programs during valproate use and various other guidelines.
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Kalk E, Heekes A, Slogrove AL, Phelanyane F, Davies MA, Myer L, Euvrard J, Kroon M, Petro G, Fieggen K, Stewart C, Rhoda N, Gebhardt S, Osman A, Anderson K, Boulle A, Mehta U. Cohort profile: the Western Cape Pregnancy Exposure Registry (WCPER). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060205. [PMID: 35768089 PMCID: PMC9244673 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Western Cape Pregnancy Exposure Registry (PER) was established at two public sector healthcare sentinel sites in the Western Cape province, South Africa, to provide ongoing surveillance of drug exposures in pregnancy and associations with pregnancy outcomes. PARTICIPANTS Established in 2016, all women attending their first antenatal visit at primary care obstetric facilities were enrolled and followed to pregnancy outcome regardless of the site (ie, primary, secondary, tertiary facility). Routine operational obstetric and medical data are digitised from the clinical stationery at the healthcare facilities. Data collection has been integrated into existing services and information platforms and supports routine operations. The PER is situated within the Provincial Health Data Centre, an information exchange that harmonises and consolidates all health-related electronic data in the province. Data are contributed via linkage across a unique identifier. This relationship limits the missing data in the PER, allows validation and avoids misclassification in the population-level data set. FINDINGS TO DATE Approximately 5000 and 3500 pregnant women enter the data set annually at the urban and rural sites, respectively. As of August 2021, >30 000 pregnancies have been recorded and outcomes have been determined for 93%. Analysis of key obstetric and neonatal health indicators derived from the PER are consistent with the aggregate data in the District Health Information System. FUTURE PLANS This represents significant infrastructure, able to address clinical and epidemiological concerns in a low/middle-income setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alexa Heekes
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amy L Slogrove
- Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Florence Phelanyane
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Max Kroon
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neonatal Services, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Greg Petro
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Maternity Services, New Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Fieggen
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Medical Genetics Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chantal Stewart
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Maternity Services, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Natasha Rhoda
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neonatal Services, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Gebhardt
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Maternity Services, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ayesha Osman
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Maternity Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kim Anderson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
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Keuler N, Johnson Y, Coetzee R. A description of sodium valproate, lamotrigine and levetiracetam consumption in the Western Cape public sector. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2022; 64:e1-e7. [PMID: 35695446 PMCID: PMC9257847 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rational use of medicine is fundamental to ensure effective and safe patient medicine treatment, and hence, should be monitored. Undisputable evidence exists for the teratogenic risk factors associated with sodium valproate. Consequently, the Western Cape Department of Health introduced a policy (2019) recommending alternatives for valproate in women of childbearing age, including lamotrigine or levetiracetam as alternatives for patients on antiretrovirals. This study aimed to describe the change in the consumption of valproate, lamotrigine and levetiracetam after a policy implementation in public sector health facilities of the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods This observational study followed a quasi-experimental design. Consumption data from the Cape Medical Depot over the period 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Consumption was presented as a defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 population per quarter for sodium valproate, levetiracetam and lamotrigine for the Western Cape province, urban and rural areas. Consumption 12 months before was compared with consumption 12 months after policy implementation. Results Post-policy implementation, valproate consumption remained unchanged provincially (3.3%; p = 0.255), in urban (7.8%; p = 0.255) and rural (1.5%; p = 0.701) areas. Lamotrigine consumption increased significantly provincially (30.7%; p = 0.020) and in urban areas (54.5%; p = 0.002); however, rural (26.1%; p = 0.108) areas did not show significant change. Provincially, valproate consumption remained substantially higher (209 DDDs/1000 population per quarter) compared with lamotrigine consumption (32.22 DDDs/1000 population per quarter). Conclusion In the Western Cape public sector, the consumption of sodium valproate remained unchanged 12 months after policy implementation. Although there were significant increases in lamotrigine and levetiracetam consumption, the consumption was considerably less compared with sodium valproate consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Keuler
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville.
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Ma SY, KWAN KM. Size Anomaly and Alteration of GABAergic Enzymes Expressions in Cerebellum of a Valproic acid Mouse Model of Autism. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113896. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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