Supervisors info:
Ν. Παπαντωνίου, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Δ. Κασσάνος, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Χ. Χρέλιας, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
As it was demonstrated by this paper, the issues that need to be addressed for the pregnant epileptic patient are indeed many. Antiepileptic drugs have multiple side effects for the fetus, especially when taken in combination. In addition, the seizure itself can potentially harm the fetus, causing serious complications. Finally, since hormonal changes during pregnancy may alter pharmacokinetics, and hence the effectiveness of antiepileptic therapy, the risk of pregnancy involves, besides the fetus, the mother itself. Due to the above difficulties, but mainly in conjunction with the lack of information and the existing gaps in scientific knowledge, many epileptic women are reluctant or even neglected to become pregnant, which is likely to reduce the quality of life of these patients and poses social issues. Nevertheless, the growing scientific knowledge about pregnancy management in epilepsy makes it clear that epileptic women, with proper drug management, proper planning and application of preventive measures, can successfully complete a pregnancy, dramatically reducing the risk complications for themselves and the fetus. The measures to be taken include the adjustment of the antiepileptic drugs taken before pregnancy, avoiding, as far as possible, both polytherapy and valproic acid, careful monitoring of the patient during pregnancy, appropriate prenatal care by analytical ultrasound scan and vitamin supplements (folic acid, cholecalciferol, vitamin K) and adopting habits to avoid pregnancy injury in a possible crisis.
