Autumn Klein

Long-Term Cognitive Effects of In Utero Antiepileptic Drug Exposure

Maternal use of certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), especially valproic acid (VPA), increases the risk for major congenital malformations in offspring.

Major Congenital Malformation Rate Is Low with Levetiracetam

Antiepileptic drug (AED) use in pregnancy is known to increase rates of major congenital malformations (MCMs). Therefore, finding an AED with a low

Fetal Safety of Newer Antiepileptic Drugs During Pregnancy

Increasing numbers of reproductive-aged women with epilepsy are being prescribed newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs; lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and

Valproate Exposure In Utero Can Affect Cognitive Outcomes

Antiepileptic drug (AED) exposure during the first trimester leads to higher rates of congenital malformations, but cognitive and behavioral effects of

Pregnancy-Related Stroke: An Ominous Trend?

Stroke is uncommon in young women, but the hypercoagulable state associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period confers excess risk for this

Is Interferon-β Safe During Pregnancy in Women with Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) raises special concerns when it occurs in women of reproductive age. Effective disease-modifying agents include interferon-β (IFN-β). In a prospective observational study that involved 21 Italian MS centers, investigators examined pregnancy outcomes (in particular, spontaneous abortion) in women with MS who did or did not use IFN-β. Exposure to IFN-β …

Migraine, Pregnancy, and Blood Pressure

Migraineurs have excess risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In a prospective study, researchers assessed blood pressure (BP) by trimester and

Antiepileptic Drugs and Risk for Major Birth Defects: Three Studies, Varied Findings

Major congenital malformations (MCMs) are of concern to clinicians who prescribe antiepileptic drugs to women of reproductive age. Three recent studies

Excess Risk for Infertility in Women with Epilepsy Is Compounded by Seizure Medications

Women with epilepsy have high infertility rates. Marriage and childbirth later in life, neuroendocrine effects of seizures, and use of antiepileptic

Seizure Medications Are Compatible with Breast-Feeding in Women with Epilepsy

Despite the positive emotional, psychological, and health benefits of breast-feeding for both mother and child, women with epilepsy who take