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February 3, 2025 – Offspring of women with epilepsy may experience decreased bone metabolism and lower birth weight, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.
Researchers, led by Huali Luo from Zhejiang University in China, conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 83 women with epilepsy who received antenatal care between 2012 and 2021. They compared the findings to a control group of 249 women without epilepsy.
The study found that women with epilepsy were significantly more likely to undergo cesarean sections than those in the control group, though their abortion rates were lower (55.4% vs. 37.3%). Additionally, offspring femoral length was found to be significantly reduced in women with epilepsy (6.812 cm vs. 6.923 cm), even after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
A key finding of the study was that offspring born to mothers using multiple antiseizure medications (ASMs) had significantly reduced femoral and biparietal lengths when compared to those whose mothers used a single ASM or none at all. Furthermore, multiple ASM use was associated with a lower birth weight in offspring.
“The application of a single ASM during pregnancy is the optimal choice for pregnant women with epilepsy and their offspring, as it can not only control the seizures to reduce the harm caused by seizures during pregnancy but also minimize the restriction of ASMs on the growth and development of offspring,” the researchers concluded.
The findings highlight the importance of monitoring antiseizure medication use during pregnancy and balancing seizure management with fetal health considerations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before making any decisions regarding epilepsy treatment during pregnancy.
