EAN 2023 | Maternal antiseizure medication use and congenital malformations

A study conducted in a cohort of 4.5 million children in Nordic countries has reported on associations between maternal use of prescription antiseizure medications (ASMs) and the occurrence of major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental defects in offspring. Marte-Helene Bjork, MD, PhD, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway, discusses the population-based study that assessed the comparative safety of ASM monotherapy. Controlling for confounding variables, it was determined that lamotrigine does not exhibit an increased risk of congenital malformations. Comparative analyses of other antiseizure medications in relation to lamotrigine have revealed that two specific drugs, namely topiramate and valproate, are associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations and developmental defects. However, there is currently insufficient data to conclusively assess the risk of newer medications such as lacosamide and perampanel. Dr Bjork emphasizes the need for additional data to comprehensively evaluate the associated risks of these newer drugs. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2023 Congress in Budapest, Hungary.

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