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Hughes A, Weckesser A, Denny E, Junaid F, Nelson-Piercy C, Black M, Allotey J, Thangaratinam S, Dyson J. Barriers and facilitators to healthcare practitioners providing care for pregnant women with epilepsy: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Seizure 2024; 118:38-46. [PMID: 38631244 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Hughes
- Centre for Social, Health and Related Research, Birmingham City University, Ravensbury Building, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TN, United Kingdom
| | - Annalise Weckesser
- Centre for Social, Health and Related Research, Birmingham City University, Ravensbury Building, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TN, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Denny
- Centre for Social, Health and Related Research, Birmingham City University, Ravensbury Building, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TN, United Kingdom
| | - Fatima Junaid
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mairead Black
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - John Allotey
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Centre (BRC), University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Dyson
- Centre for Social, Health and Related Research, Birmingham City University, Ravensbury Building, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TN, United Kingdom.
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Degremont A, Kerbrat S, Balusson F, Jonville-Bera AP, Ringa V, Travers D, Tillaut H, Leray E, Oger E, Birben A, Polard E. Prescribing Trends for Valproate Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study in 2013 and 2016 Using the French Health Insurance Database. Neurology 2022; 98:e2163-e2173. [PMID: 35379759 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the prescribing trends for sodium valproate (VPA) and alternative drugs during and around pregnancy, comparing 2016 (after the recommendations on valproate for women were reinforced by the EMA) to 2013 (before the recommendations). METHODS Using the French National Health Insurance Database, a cross-sectional study was carried out in 2013 and in 2016, including women who became pregnant and had at least one reimbursement claim for VPA in the two years prior to pregnancy or during pregnancy. Exposure to VPA and its alternatives was then measured for each quarter, in the two years before pregnancy (pre-conception), during pregnancy and in the year after pregnancy (post-partum). RESULTS Among pregnant women with epilepsy (N=2,607 pregnancies), the proportion exposed to VPA during pregnancy decreased from 26.4% to 9.3% between 2013 and 2016, alongside an increase in lamotrigine and levetiracetam use. Among pregnant women with bipolar disorder (N=4,278 pregnancies), the proportion of women exposed during pregnancy decreased from 3.7% in 2013 to 1.9% in 2016, without any switch to alternative drugs. In both populations, less than one third had consulted a specialist before pregnancy. CONCLUSION As recommended by the EMA, a change in practice over the period 2013-2016 was observed, with fewer women exposed to VPA during pregnancy and before pregnancy. However, in 2016, a large number of women were exposed to VPA in the first trimester of pregnancy (N=471), which could suggest that the timing of pregnancy should be better planned whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Degremont
- Pharmaco-vigilance, Pharmaco-epidemiology and Drug Information Centre, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France .,EA 7449 REPERES 'Pharmaco-epidemiology and Health Services Research', Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Sandrine Kerbrat
- EA 7449 REPERES 'Pharmaco-epidemiology and Health Services Research', Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Balusson
- Pharmaco-vigilance, Pharmaco-epidemiology and Drug Information Centre, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France.,EA 7449 REPERES 'Pharmaco-epidemiology and Health Services Research', Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Annie Pierre Jonville-Bera
- Pharmaco-vigilance and Drug Information Centre, Department of Pharmaco-surveillance, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Virginie Ringa
- INSERM CESP (Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations), Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - David Travers
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Hélène Tillaut
- Department of Health Epidemiology and biostatistics for decision-making in public health, EHESP (School for Public Health), Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Leray
- Department of Health Epidemiology and biostatistics for decision-making in public health, EHESP (School for Public Health), Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuel Oger
- Pharmaco-vigilance, Pharmaco-epidemiology and Drug Information Centre, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France.,EA 7449 REPERES 'Pharmaco-epidemiology and Health Services Research', Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Arnaud Birben
- Epilepsy unit, Department of Neurology, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France.,INSERM 1099, Signal and Image Processing Laboratory, Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Elisabeth Polard
- Pharmaco-vigilance, Pharmaco-epidemiology and Drug Information Centre, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France.,EA 7449 REPERES 'Pharmaco-epidemiology and Health Services Research', Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
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Epilepsy in Pregnancy—Management Principles and Focus on Valproate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031369. [PMID: 35163292 PMCID: PMC8836209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An estimated 60 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, half of whom are women. About one-third of women with epilepsy are of childbearing age. The childbirth rate in women with epilepsy is about 20–40% lower compared to that of the general population, which may be partly due to a lower number of these women being in relationships. Lower fertility in women with epilepsy may be linked to the disease itself, but it is mainly a result of the treatment provided. Valproate, as an antiepileptic drug inhibiting histone deacetylases, may affect the expression of genes associated with cell cycle control and cellular differentiation. Evidently, this drug is associated with the risk of malformations although other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may also trigger birth defects, however, to a lower degree. Valproate (and to a certain degree other AEDs) may induce autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The main mechanism responsible for all negative effects of prenatal exposure to valproate seems inhibition of histone deacetylases. Animal studies show a reduction in the expression of genes involved in social behavior and an increase in hippocampal cytokines. Valproate-induced oxidative stress may also contribute to neural tube defects. Interestingly, paternal exposure to this AED in mice may trigger neurodevelopmental disorders as well although a population-based cohort study does not confirm this effect. To lower the risk of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders, a single AED at the optimal dose and supplementation with folic acid is recommended. VPA should be avoided in women of childbearing age and especially during pregnancy.
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Kirkpatrick L, Harrison E, Borrero S, Miller E, Sogawa Y, Stransky OM, Talabi MB, Urban A, Kazmerski TM. Sexual and reproductive health concerns of women with epilepsy beginning in adolescence and young adulthood. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108439. [PMID: 34839241 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with epilepsy (WWE) have potentially unique concerns regarding their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Prior studies of WWE have focused narrowly on pregnancy and preconception experiences, and have not addressed concerns of nulliparous adolescent and young adult women not actively seeking pregnancy. METHODS We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with WWE 18-45 years of age. We sampled to maximize diversity of age and parity, and intentionally included many adolescent and young adult nulliparous women not actively planning pregnancy. Interviews broadly addressed participants' SRH concerns and experiences. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Two coders performed qualitative analysis using thematic analysis with deductive and inductive approaches. RESULTS Twenty WWE (median age 23 years, range 18-43 years) completed interviews. Twelve were nulliparous, six had children, one had a history of miscarriage only, and two were currently pregnant. WWE's narratives revealed significant concerns about family planning and reproductive health in the context of epilepsy, including: 1) seizures endangering pregnancies and children 2) teratogenic effects of antiseizure medication, 3) heritability of epilepsy, 4) antiseizure medication and epilepsy impacting fertility, and 5) interactions between antiseizure medication and contraception. CONCLUSION WWE, including nulliparous adolescent and young adult women who are not actively planning pregnancy, have significant concerns about how their epilepsy interacts with SRH. SRH counseling for WWE should begin during adolescence and be incorporated into the transition process from pediatric to adult healthcare. Insights from WWE may aid in the creation of relevant patient-facing educational resources as well as provider-facing training and tools to meaningfully support the reproductive decision-making of WWE throughout their childbearing years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kirkpatrick
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Harrison
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States.
| | - Sonya Borrero
- Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 1218 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States; Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Yoshimi Sogawa
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States.
| | - Olivia M Stransky
- Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Mehret Birru Talabi
- Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 1218 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
| | - Alexandra Urban
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, 811 Kaufmann Medical Building, 3461 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Traci M Kazmerski
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States; Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
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Perceptions and Practice of Preconception Care by Healthcare Workers and High-Risk Women in South Africa: A Qualitative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111552. [PMID: 34828600 PMCID: PMC8618283 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Preconception care is biomedical, behavioural, and social health interventions provided to women and couples before conception. This service is sometimes prioritised for women at high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Evidence revealed that only very few women in Africa with severe chronic conditions receive or seek preconception care advice and assessment for future pregnancy. Thus, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and practice of preconception care by healthcare workers and high-risk women in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa. This exploratory, descriptive qualitative study utilised individual in-depth interviews to collect data from 24 women at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and five healthcare workers. Thematic analysis was conducted using Nvivo version 12. Five main themes that emerged from the study include participants’ views, patients’ access to information, practices, and perceived benefits of preconception care. The healthcare workers were well acquainted with the preconception care concept, but the women had inconsistent acquaintance. Both groups acknowledge the role preconception care can play in the reduction of maternal and child mortality. A recommendation is made for the healthcare workers to use the ‘One key’ reproductive life plan question as an entry point for the provision of preconception care.
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Morrison I, Cork H, Smith P, Campbell C, Megan McTiernan M, White K. Is the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulator Agency (MHRA) guidance on sodium valproate acceptable to women of childbearing age? J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2021; 50:114-117. [PMID: 32568279 DOI: 10.4997/jrcpe.2020.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) published guidelines restricting the use of sodium valproate in women of childbearing age unless they consented to the pregnancy prevention programme (PPP), receiving counselling by an epilepsy specialist, or meeting exclusion criteria. METHODS We contacted every woman of childbearing age on valproate for epilepsy in NHS Tayside (122). RESULTS Seventeen out of 122 (13.9%) responded to the initial invitation to attend, and 25 out of 122 (20.4%) responded to a letter sent to their GP. Twenty-five attended, 21 completed a consent form, seven switched to another drug and three attended to express dissatisfaction with the MHRA guidance. There were 53 patients identified with learning difficulties. Consent was only taken from three patients, with carers declining to sign consent because the patient was not sexually active. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that patients and carers do not wish to stop valproate or engage in PPP despite being made aware of MHRA guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Morrison
- Department of Neurology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK,
| | - Hannah Cork
- University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Pauline Smith
- Department of Neurology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Charlene Campbell
- Department of Neurology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Kathleen White
- Department of Neurology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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Huber-Mollema Y, van Iterson L, Oort FJ, Lindhout D, Rodenburg R. Neurocognition after prenatal levetiracetam, lamotrigine, carbamazepine or valproate exposure. J Neurol 2020; 267:1724-1736. [PMID: 32112258 PMCID: PMC7293688 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine neurocognitive functioning of children exposed prenatally to carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam or valproate monotherapy. METHODS In a prospective observational study, children aged 6 or 7 years, identified from the European Registry of Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy database in The Netherlands, were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the developmental neuropsychological assessment. Maternal IQ was measured using Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Assessors were blinded to drug exposures. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-one children (one set of twins and 21 sibling pairs) of 139 mothers were included. As a group, children achieved average scores on neurocognitive outcomes. Children exposed to valproate (n = 22) performed lower on all six neurocognitive domains, especially language, than those exposed to carbamazepine (n = 32), lamotrigine (n = 82) or levetiracetam (n = 25). After controlling for maternal IQ and drug dose, the verbal IQ of valproate-exposed children was on average 9.1 points lower than those exposed to carbamazepine (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-17.0; p = 0.023), 10.3 lower than lamotrigine-exposed children (CI 3.4-17.3; p = 0.004) and 13.4 lower than levetiracetam-exposed children (CI 5.2-21.6; p = 0.002). No significant dose-effect was found. Virtually no significant differences were found between lamotrigine and levetiracetam or lamotrigine and carbamazepine exposed children. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with previous research, valproate-exposed children experienced more problems compared to three other common antiepileptic drugs, while children exposed to lamotrigine, carbamazepine or levetiracetam revealed little to no problems. This illustrates the need for systematic follow-up of prenatally exposed children, to support pre-pregnancy counseling and treatment decisions in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yfke Huber-Mollema
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, 15776, 1001 NG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Loretta van Iterson
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Frans J. Oort
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, 15776, 1001 NG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick Lindhout
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roos Rodenburg
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, 15776, 1001 NG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Harris L, Lowes O, Angus‐Leppan H. Treatment decisions in women of childbearing age on valproate. Acta Neurol Scand 2020; 141:287-293. [PMID: 31883101 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are little data on the understanding and participation of women of childbearing age in decisions about their choice of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Valproate carries a risk of major congenital malformations, developmental and behavioural delay. For some, valproate is the only medication to prevent potentially life-threatening seizures. MATERIALS & METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of two groups of women of childbearing age; 50 taking valproate and 50 controls. Each patient completed a patient questionnaire and structured telephone interview assessing understanding of the risks and benefits of AEDs in relation to pregnancy. Analysis used unpaired two-tailed t test and chi-squared test, with Bonferroni correction. Follow-up at 12 months showed that 8% of the women taking valproate had switched to other medication. RESULTS Hundred patients participated in the study, 89 on AEDs for epilepsy, 4 for migraine, and 7 for both. 55% of participants stated they were not involved in decision-making. More patients in the valproate group were informed about (64% vs 42%, P < .005), and expressed understanding of (64%vs 32%, P < .001), the risks involved with treatment. 59% of all patients wanted more information. The minority of women surveyed took folic acid (37%) or used contraceptives (29%). Valproate was used following failure of other AEDs to control seizures in 80%. DISCUSSION This in-depth survey suggests more information is needed for women taking AEDs, using a range of formats. Women taking valproate are better informed than those on levetiracetam or lamotrigine. Information provision on the use of folic acid and contraception needs improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia Lowes
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Coventry UK
| | - Heather Angus‐Leppan
- Clinical Neurosciences Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust University College London London UK
- Institute of Neurology University College London London UK
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