The study
Researchers followed 311 children from before birth, whose mothers were receiving antiepileptic drug monotherapy and had an IQ of less than 70. All children were then assessed for cognitive outcomes at three, four-and-a-half and six years of age.
The findings
In the children, IQ at six years was significantly lower after exposure to valproate, with a mean of 97, compared with those exposed to carbamazepine, lamotrigine or phenytoin – with mean scores of 105, 108 and 108 respectively. Verbal index - calculated using scores from differential abilities scales, vocabulary tests and phonological processing - was also significantly lower for children exposed to valproate, compared with other antiepileptic treatments. Mean scores for valproate were 97, compared with 106 for phenytoin, 105 for lamotrigine and 104 for carbamazepine.
What does it mean for GPs?
The UK and US authors noted that these findings are similar to their previous results in children of three years, where cognitive ability had decreased in those exposed to valproate. They state that ‘based on anatomical and cognitive risks, we propose that valproate is a poor first-choice antiepileptic drug for most women of childbearing potential.’
Expert comment
Dr Greg Rogers, GPSI in epilepsy, Kent: ‘This large study confirms that sodium valproate can have an effect on cognition for the developing foetus and add that this is dose related.
‘For GP’s it highlights the need to identify women pre-natallywho are taking valproate and to consider pro-active referral to an epilepsy clinic to discuss their anti-convulsant and if possible switch to a less teratogenic one – this process electively can be done slowly and hopefully will minimise risks of break through seizures.’
Lancet 2013, available online 23 January
