Epilepsy in Pregnancy - GT68 Flashcards
What is the prevalence of epilepsy in pregnancy?
0.5-1%
How many infant are born to women with epilepsy every year in the UK?
2500
How many deaths in 2009-2012 were attributable to epilepsy in MBBRACE 2014?
14
12 were SUDEP - poorly controlled seizures contributing factor (tonic clonic highest risk)
When are women no longer considered to have epilepsy?
- Seizure free last 10 years (5 years off AEDs)
- Childhood epilepsy syndrome that reached adulthood seizure- and treatment-free
Which type of epilepsy occurs more frequently after sleep deprivation?
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy - sudden jerks may cause falls/dropping objects including baby
What are the differential diagnoses for first seizures in pregnancy?
- Eclampsia
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
- Posterior reversible leucoencephalopathy syndrome
- Space occupying lesions
- Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
- Cardiac - Syncope 2dry to arrhythmia, aortic stenosis,
carotid sinus sensitivity etc - Metabolic - hypoglycaemia, hyponatremia, Addisonian
crisis - Non epileptic attack disorder
Which AEDs have the lowest risk of congenital anomalies in the fetus?
Lamotrigine
Carbemazepine
monotherapy
What are the associated congenital anomalies with sodium valproate?
Neural tube defects Facial cleft Hypospadias Lower IQ Increased rates of childhood autism
What are the associated congenital anomalies with phenobarbital and phenytoin?
Cardiac malformations
What are the associated congenital anomalies with phenytoin and carbemazepine?
Cleft palate
What are the generalised congenital anomalies associated with AEDs?
Congenital heart disorders
Neural tube defects
Urinary tract abnormalities
Skeletal abnormalities
What is the incidence of congenital malformations in women taking a) valproate and b) on polytherapy?
a) 10.7/100
b) 16.8/100
(Background 2.3%)
What is the risk of recurrence for women with epilepsy with a previous child with a major congenital malformation?
16.8/100
What % of women with epilepsy do not experience a seizure in pregnancy?
67%
How many women with epilepsy are estimated to discontinue AEDs when pregnant?
15% (may be higher with valproate)