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Angus-Leppan H, Arkell R, Watkins L, Heaney D, Cooper P, Shankar R. New valproate regulations, informed choice and seizure risk. J Neurol 2024; 271:5671-5686. [PMID: 38896265 PMCID: PMC11319429 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12436-8] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Valproate is the most effective medication for generalised epilepsies, and several specific epilepsy syndromes. For some people, it will be the only medication to establish seizure remission, and withdrawing it carries risks of seizure recurrence and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). It is also of proven efficacy for bipolar disorder and migraine prevention. Guidelines based on observational and epidemiological studies stress that maternal valproate related teratogenicity and neurodevelopmental effects are significantly higher than for other antiseizure medications (ASMs). It should, therefore, only be used if other medications are ineffective and after balancing the teratogenicity risk. Regulatory restrictions have changed prescribing practices and reduced valproate use. The number of other medications that must be trialled in the different conditions for which valproate has effectiveness and the consequences of the lack of efficacy of those drugs leading to significant harm including death remains unexplored. Risk minimisation measures (RMMs) for valproate, chiefly Pregnancy Prevention practices (PPP), consider foetal risk and not risk to people living with epilepsy. In the United Kingdom (UK), limitations relating to valproate use in all people < 55 years commenced in January 2024. While the evidence in child-bearing women is not disputed, the data in males are based on animal models, case reports, and one commissioned, unpublished, non-peer reviewed report unavailable to the UK public, stakeholder charities or professionals. Evidence suggests that 30-40% of people switching from valproate have breakthrough seizures. Thus, an estimated 21,000-28000 people in the UK will imminently be exposed to the potential hazards of breakthrough seizures, including death. There is little government investment in monitoring the effects of these changes to valproate prescribing on patient health and quality of life. This review summarises the history of valproate regulation, evidence underpinning it and argues how the latest regulations in the UK do not align with the country's medical regulatory bodies ethical principles nor with the Montgomery principles of informed patient choice and autonomy. It dissects how such regulations infringe Common Law principles, nor give due regard for patient outcomes beyond reproduction. The paper looks to provide recommendations to redress these concerns while appreciating the core need for such governance to emerge in the first place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Angus-Leppan
- University of East London, Stratford, E15 4LZ, UK.
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
- Royal Free London, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, UK.
| | - Rachel Arkell
- University of East London, Stratford, E15 4LZ, UK
- Kent Law School, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NS, UK
- Centre for Reproductive Research and Communication, British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), London, UK
| | - Lance Watkins
- University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Dominic Heaney
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Paul Cooper
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Greater Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Rohit Shankar
- Peninsula School of Medicine, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Behn M, Kielhofner J, Panicker JN, Kaplan TB. Sexual dysfunction and commonly used drugs in neurology. Pract Neurol 2024; 24:207-214. [PMID: 38212111 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2023-003760] [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] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is common in men and women with neurological diseases. Medications used in neurology can cause sexual dysfunction independently of the disease process and this may adversely affect patients' quality of life. This review focuses on medications commonly prescribed to neurological patients that may contribute to altered sexual function, and discusses how they may differ in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Behn
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jalesh N Panicker
- Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Tamara B Kaplan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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A Comparative Study of the Effects of Valproate and Oxcarbazepine on Sexual Function, Sperm Quality, and Sex Hormones in Males with Epilepsy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6624101. [PMID: 34285917 PMCID: PMC8275390 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6624101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims Although several studies have indicated that valproate (VPA) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) cause reproductive endocrine disorders and sexual dysfunction, there remains some controversy regarding these issues in males with epilepsy. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of VPA and OXC on sexual function, sperm quality, and sex hormones in young males with epilepsy. Methods Males with newly diagnosed epilepsy treated with VPA and OXC were recruited, and sexual function questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5)), sperm quality, and sex hormone levels were assessed before treatment and at 6 months after treatment with VPA or OXC monotherapy. Results Forty-four young males with epilepsy (23 treated with VPA, 21 treated with OXC) and 30 age-matched healthy individuals were recruited for our study. The sexual function, sperm quality, marriage rate, and fertility rate of these young males with epilepsy were lower than those of healthy controls. Sperm quality were significantly reduced in young male patients after 6 months of VPA administration. The level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was increased in patients after OXC treatment. Meanwhile, sexual function and sperm quality were not affected. Conclusion Sexual function and sperm quality were reduced in young males with epilepsy. VPA may exert a negative effect on sperm quality, whereas OXC has no harmful effect on sexual function and sperm quality in young males with epilepsy.
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Ciydem E, Kackin O, Kutlu FY. Experiences and opinions of nurses working in psychiatric wards on assessing patients' sexual health: A qualitative study. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:1222-1230. [PMID: 33164237 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the experiences and opinions of nurses working in psychiatric wards regarding the assessment of patients' sexual health. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative, interpretative phenomenological design was used. Purposeful, snowball sampling identified eight nurses. Data were collected online through in-depth, individual interviews, and analyzed with Colaizzi's seven-step method. FINDINGS The nurses' experiences and opinions were grouped under three themes: challenges, requirements, and opportunities. The theme of challenges was divided into attitude and environment; the requirements theme was divided into training, self-knowledge, and procedural arrangements; the opportunities theme was divided into awareness. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Psychiatric nurses should know their sexual values and integrate personal/professional values. Institutions should train nurses in assessment' importance and scope and establish procedures/guidelines, supporting sexual health assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Ciydem
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Florence Nightingale Nursing Faculty, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Kackin
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Florence Nightingale Nursing Faculty, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - F Yasemin Kutlu
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Florence Nightingale Nursing Faculty, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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