Early cognitive outcomes of in utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs

Most women with epilepsy who need to take antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy give birth to healthy children, but there are increased risks of birth defects and developmental problems after AED exposure. This research investigated early cognitive development of children exposed prenatally to AEDs. It replicated findings showing higher doses of the AED valproate are associated with poorer intellectual and language skills in three-year-olds, but in a group without birth defects for the first time. It also demonstrated that this relationship was evident in cognitive development at one year of age, suggesting early detection of cognitive problems may be possible.