Influences on seizure activity in pregnant women with epilepsy

This study evaluated whether referral to a specialized epilepsy clinic prior to pregnancy influences seizure activity during pregnancy. In addition, folic acid supplementation prior to pregnancy as a marker of intent to conceive was used to evaluate whether the use of folic acid at the time of conception correlates with the risk of seizure deterioration in pregnancy. The study population consisted of patients who had been followed in a specialized epilepsy clinic before conception (group 1, n=46) and patients who were referred to the clinic after the pregnancy was recognized (group 2, n=44). Seizure deterioration was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2: 9% versus 32% (P<0.01). In addition, the likelihood of having taken folic acid supplements was significantly higher in group 1 (P<0.001). With some methodological limitations taken into account, it is concluded that women followed in a specialized epilepsy clinic have a lower risk of seizure deterioration during pregnancy compared with those referred after conception.