Prenatal valproate exposure and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes: Does sex matter?

Abstract

Objective: Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drug (AED) valproic acid (VPA) is associated with an increased risk of impaired postnatal neurodevelopment, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We aimed to evaluate the influence of sex and drug dosage on the association between prenatal VPA exposure and postnatal behavioral outcomes. Methods: The Australian Pregnancy Register of AEDs was interrogated to identify children aged 4–11 years prenatally exposed to AEDs. Parents reported on their child's behavior using the Autism Spectrum Quotient–Children's Version and the National Institute for Children's Health Quality Vanderbilt Assessme..