Main description:

A description of our current understanding of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy, this book includes chapters on the impact of seizures on the mother and developing child, changes in maternal physiology during pregnancy and its impact on drug disposition, and the pharmacokinetic differences between the various anti-seizure medications. It also deals with the possible harmful effects of antiepileptic drug exposure during pregnancy on the physical and intellectual development of the fetus. Clinicians have to balance the potential adverse effects of the medicine for the fetus and mother-to-be against the risks that uncontrolled seizures hold for both when treating pregnant women with antiepileptic drugs. Only recently have enough scientific data emerged to provide a rational basis for treatment decisions that take in both aspects. This work provides a single, accessible and up-to-date resource for busy clinicians.

Contents:

1. Introduction.- 2. Antiepileptic drugs and becoming pregnant.- Part I. Antiepileptic Drug Pharmacokinetics in Pregnancy.- 3. Antiepileptic drug disposition and pregnancy.- 4. The older antiepileptic drugs.- 5. Commonly used newer antiepileptic drugs.- 6. Antiepileptic drugs sometimes used in pregnancy.- Part II. Antiepileptic Drugs and the Foetus.- 7. Antiepileptic drugs, epileptic seizures and the foetus.- 8. Antiepileptic drugs and foetal malformations - a possible class effect.- 9. Particular antiepileptic drugs and foetal malformations.- 10. Antiepileptic drugs, cognition and neurodevelopment.- Part III. Antiepileptic Drug use and Pregnancy.- 11. Antiepileptic drug therapy: management issues and pregnancy.- 12. Antiepileptic drugs and pregnancy - the future.