ABSTRACT

To analyze seizure control and treatment in pregnant women receiving oxcarbazepine before, during and after pregnancy and its potential teratogenicity.

Five women receiving oxcarbazepine monotherapy were followed prospectively during pregnancy and puerperium. Seizure frequency, dosages of oxcarbazepine and pregnacy outcome were evaluated. The infants of women with epilepy on oxcarbazepine were examined by a pediatrician for possible malformations at birth.

All patients showed higher seizure frequency during pregnancy when compared with that before pregnacy. In three patients, oxcarbazepine dosages were increased during pregnancy. These changes occured more often in the second and third trimester than in the first trimester. Seizure frequency after pregnancy was similar to that prior to pregnancy in all. Congenital malformations were not seen among offsprings of patients using oxcarbazepine.

Pregnants using oxcarbazepine should be followed closely thoughout pregnancy and puerperium. Increased in seizure frequency associated with oxcarbazepine therapy could be seen during pregnancy due to the altered pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine and may result the need for more frequent dose adjustments. However, oxcarbazepine may have a low teratogenic risk.

Keywords: Pregnancy, epilepsy, oxcarbazepine