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Valproate Exposure During Pregnancy Lowers Toddlers' IQs
Children born to mothers who took the antiepileptic drug valproate while pregnant have IQs between 6 and 9 points lower than children of mothers who took other antiepileptic agents. The finding was published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, and concludes that there is an increased risk of impaired cognitive function at the age of 3 resulting from fetal exposure to the drug.
The study is looking at neurodevelopmental outcomes in children at age 6 following fetal exposure to various antiepileptic agents, specifically GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Lamictal (lamotrigine), Novartis AG's Tegretol (carbamazepine), and Pfizer Inc's Dilantin (phenytoin).
The study enrolled pregnant women between 1999 and 2004 in the United States and the United Kingdom. The results published today are from an interim analysis of 309 three-year olds born to mothers enrolled in the study.
The researchers reported in their abstract that "On average, children exposed to valproate had an IQ score 9 points lower than the score of those exposed to lamotrigine, 7 points lower than the score of those exposed to phenytoin, 6 points lower than the score of those exposed to carbamazepine. The association between valproate use and IQ was dose dependent." In other words, the higher the dose of valproate the greater the risk for neurodevelopmental damage as reflected by IQ score.
The study is ongoing, however based on these results the researchers suggest that valproate not be used as first-line treatment in women of childbearing age.
Estimates suggest that approximately 25,000 children are born to mothers with epilepsy every year in the United States.
APRIL-16-09: IQ low in toddlers whose mothers took valproate [REUTERS: IQ LOWER IN TODDLERS WHOSE MOTHERS TOOK VALPROATE]
Published on Apr-16-09
The study is looking at neurodevelopmental outcomes in children at age 6 following fetal exposure to various antiepileptic agents, specifically GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Lamictal (lamotrigine), Novartis AG's Tegretol (carbamazepine), and Pfizer Inc's Dilantin (phenytoin).
The study enrolled pregnant women between 1999 and 2004 in the United States and the United Kingdom. The results published today are from an interim analysis of 309 three-year olds born to mothers enrolled in the study.
The researchers reported in their abstract that "On average, children exposed to valproate had an IQ score 9 points lower than the score of those exposed to lamotrigine, 7 points lower than the score of those exposed to phenytoin, 6 points lower than the score of those exposed to carbamazepine. The association between valproate use and IQ was dose dependent." In other words, the higher the dose of valproate the greater the risk for neurodevelopmental damage as reflected by IQ score.
The study is ongoing, however based on these results the researchers suggest that valproate not be used as first-line treatment in women of childbearing age.
Estimates suggest that approximately 25,000 children are born to mothers with epilepsy every year in the United States.
APRIL-16-09: IQ low in toddlers whose mothers took valproate [REUTERS: IQ LOWER IN TODDLERS WHOSE MOTHERS TOOK VALPROATE]
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If your child has suffered as a result of fetal exposure to this drug, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.Published on Apr-16-09
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