Pregnancy characteristics and adverse outcomes in offspring of women with epilepsy: a prospective registry study from Mainland China

Objective

This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of adverse outcomes in the offspring of women with epilepsy (WWE) and to analyze the changes brought about by the epilepsy knowledge popularization campaign in China (EKPCIC).

Methods

This nested case-control study focused on WWE and their offspring from a female epilepsy cohort in mainland China. From January 2009 to August 2022, WWE was prospectively enrolled in 32 study centers. This study aimed to observe the health outcomes of their offspring within 1 year of age. The main outcome measure assessed the health status of the offspring within their first year of age. We aimed to analyze the effects of seizures, anti-seizure medicines (ASMs), and a lack of folic acid supplementation on adverse outcomes in the offspring of WWE and to explore the changes in perinatal management and adverse outcomes of the offspring after dissemination of the EKPCIC in 2015. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to compare seizure control during pregnancy between the valproate and non-valproate groups.

Results

In total, 781 pregnancies in 695 WWE were included, of which 186 (23.69%) had adverse outcomes. The National Hospital Epilepsy Severity Scale score, number of seizures, status epilepticus, ASM type, and valproate and folic acid doses were associated with a high risk of adverse outcomes. After the EKPCIC, the use of ASMs (P = 0.013) and folic acid (P < 0.001), the seizure-free rate during pregnancy (P = 0.013), and the breastfeeding rate (P < 0.001) increased, whereas the incidence of complications during pregnancy decreased (P = 0.013). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse outcomes between the analyzed offspring pre-/post-EKPCIC. Additionally, there was no association between the frequency of seizures at different time points during pregnancy and the use of valproate (F = 1.514, P = 0.221).

Conclusion

Possible factors influencing adverse outcomes in the offspring of WWE include seizures, type and number of ASM usage, and a lack of folic acid supplementation. Although the management of WWE during pregnancy is now more standardized, further efforts are needed to reduce adverse outcomes in offspring.

Treatment and care of women with epilepsy before, during, and after pregnancy: a practical guide

Women with epilepsy (WWE) wishing for a child represent a highly relevant subgroup of epilepsy patients. The treating epileptologist needs to delineate the epilepsy syndrome and choose the appropriate anti-seizure medication (ASM) considering the main goal of seizure freedom, teratogenic risks, changes in drug metabolism during pregnancy and postpartum, demanding for up-titration during and down-titration after pregnancy. Folic acid or vitamin K supplements and breastfeeding are also discussed in this review. Lamotrigine and levetiracetam have the lowest teratogenic potential. Data on teratogenic risks are also favorable for oxcarbazepine, whereas topiramate tends to have an unfavorable profile. Valproate needs special emphasis. It is most effective in generalized seizures but should be avoided whenever possible due to its teratogenic effects and the negative impact on neuropsychological development of in utero-exposed children. Valproate still has its justification in patients not achieving seizure freedom with other ASMs or if a woman decides to or cannot become pregnant for any reason. When valproate is the most appropriate treatment option, the patient and caregiver must be fully informed of the risks associated with its use during pregnancies. Folate supplementation is recommended to reduce the risk of major congenital malformations. However, there is insufficient information to address the optimal dose and it is unclear whether higher doses offer greater protection. There is currently no general recommendation for a peripartum vitamin K prophylaxis. During pregnancy most ASMs (e.g. lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, and levetiracetam) need to be increased to compensate for the decline in serum levels; exceptions are valproate and carbamazepine. Postpartum, baseline levels are reached relatively fast, and down-titration is performed empirically. Many ASMs in monotherapy are (moderately) safe for breastfeeding and women should be encouraged to do so. This review provides a practically oriented overview of the complex management of WWE before, during, and after pregnancy.