Evaluation of antiepileptic drugs in pregnant women and fetal and neonatal complications in Kurdistan province 2011- 2014

Using of antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy is not without complications. During recent years, especially in Iran, few studies have been done in this field, therefore, this study was performed with aim to investigate the prevalence of fetal malformations and related factors in the infants born from the mothers taking anti-epileptic drugs
This descriptive-analytic study was performed on 59 mothers who had delivered in Sanandaj Besat hospital during 2011-2014 and had a history of seizures and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) usage. Data were collected through evaluation of the records, completing the questionnaire and phone call follow-up. Data were analyzed by Stata software (version 12) and descriptive tests, T-test and Chi-square test. P 3 mothers (5.2%) with a history of seizures and usage of AEDs during pregnancy had children with malformation. No abnormalities were observed in women with history of abnormal birth. No significant relationship was observed between mean duration of AED usage (P =0.33), mean age (P=0.49) and fetal malformations in mothers.
Prevalence of fetal malformations in pregnant women taking antiepileptic drugs in the Kurdistan is less than similar studies in other countries. However, it is not possible to generalize to Iranian population. Also, the use of certain AEDs during pregnancy is not contraindicated for women with epilepsy. The duration of drug usage, age, history of abortion, history of previous abnormalities and increased gravidity cannot have a role in increasing of fetal malformations.