Retrospective evaluation of pregnancy outcomes with maternal epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and obstetric outcomes of pregnant women with epilepsy at a tertiary center. Material and Methods: A total of 81 pregnant women with epilepsy were included in this retrospective cohort study. Clinical characteristics and obstetric outcomes were evaluated. Results: The mean maternal age of our cohort was 28.81±5.2 years, mean gravida was 1.78±1.17, mean gestational week at delivery was 37.8±2.07, and mean birth weight was 2973±688.8 g with 4 (4.9%) preterm deliveries. Gestational diabetes mellitus was observed in 2 cases. Fetal growth restriction was detected in 3 (3.7%) cases. Ten neonates (12.3%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and no congenital chromosomal/structural anomalies were detected in any of the cases. Intrauterine fetal demise was observed in 1 (1.2%) case. The mean duration of epilepsy was 8.14 ± 5.8 years. Antiepileptic drugs were continued in 59 (72.8%) cases (11 polytherapy and 48 monotherapy). Six cases (7.4%) had seizures during pregnancy, and all 6 cases included patients who used medications during pregnancy. Conclusion: Favorable outcomes can be achieved in pregnant women with appropriately managed epilepsy.