Effect of anti-epileptic drugs on fetal behaviour. (7th June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lynch, C; Hepper, P; Morrow, J
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 96(2011)Supplement 1
• Page Start: Fa65
• Page End: Fa65
• Publication Date: 2011-06-07
• Subjects: Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2011.300161.37
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

Abstract : Selected anti-epileptic drugs have been associated with higher risk of congential anomalies and with impaired cognitive development. To date, no study has examined the effects of anti-epileptic drug therapy on fetal behaviour. Purpose: To examine movements in fetuses of women taking the anti-epileptic drugs carbamazepine, valporate and lamotrigine and to compare them to unaffected fetuses. Method: Fetuses of thirty women taking three anti-epileptic drugs (carbamazepine: n=10; valporate: n=10; lamotrigine: n=10) and of 20 women unaffected by epilepsy were studied. Fetal movements were observed by ultrasound for 30 min at 12–15 weeks gestation. The number of arm, leg, startle and head movements was recorded off-line for each fetus. Results: Results revealed more movement by fetuses in the carbamazepine group (M=9.62 +/−3.15 (SD)) and less movement by fetuses in the valporate group (M=6.06 +/−2.37) than by those in the control group (M=6.96 +/−3.01, n=20). Movement scores of fetuses in the lamotrigine group (M=7.75 +/−3.03, n=7) were similar to those in the control group. Fetal activity is affected by anti-epileptic drugs, and these effects are drug-specific. Anti-epileptic medications have been associated with cognitive delay in children. Observation of fetal behaviour reveals the effect of these medications on central nervous system functioning during the prenatal period. Evaluation of fetal behaviour may enable the mechanisms by which anti-epileptic drugs exert their long term neurodevelopmental consequences to be determined.