The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy: The first 1002 pregnancies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies are needed to assess the maternal and fetal hazards of antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy in pregnancy. AIMS: To make the Australian Register of AEDs in Pregnancy better known to the Australian obstetric community by presenting results derived from it. METHODS: Analysis of data collected by the Register between 1999 and December 2006. RESULTS: The Register contained data on 1002 epileptic or AED-treated pregnancies, 992 with known outcomes, 83 not exposed to AEDs in at least their first trimester, and 30 prescribed AEDs for indications other than epilepsy. Statistically significant findings included more frequent folate supplementation and decreased alcohol inta..