Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Kurdistan Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
3
Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kurdistan Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
5
General Practitioner, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: 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
Methods: 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. PResults: 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.
Conclusion: 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.
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