Yerby M. 1990. Epilepsy in Pregnancy: Developmental Followup of Infants: [Final report]. Seattle, WA: University of Washington, 35 pp. Annotation: This project studied the effects of epilepsy on pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of the study was to: (1) Examine the outcome of infants exposed in utero to antiepileptic drugs and/or to maternal seizures, and compare their outcome to that of a group of infants without such exposure; and (2) look for correlates in pregnancy (i.e., seizure type and frequency, and antiepileptic drug use) that may predict adverse outcome. A group of pregnant women with epilepsy, a group of nonepileptic pregnant women, and the case and control infants were followed for a period of three years. Case children had a statistically significant higher mean number of minor anomalies per child (5.05) than the control children (3.65). Given the results of the study, with similar rates of malformations with exposure to the common antiepileptic drugs, it was suggested that maternal antiepileptic drugs be chosen for the most effective maternal seizure control. Further research is needed to address the neurodevelopmental effects of these medications. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau] Contact: National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, 5301 Shawnee Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, Telephone: (703) 605-6050 Secondary Telephone: (888) 584-8332 E-mail: customerservice@ntis.gov Web Site: http://www.ntis.gov Document Number: NTIS PB92-135870. Keywords: Bayley Scales, Birth Defects, Breastfeeding, Child Development, Epilepsy, High risk infants, High risk mothers, High risk pregnancy, Neuromotor Status, Parent-Child Interaction, Pregnant Women, Seizures, Stanford-Binet IV |