Dr. Bruna Nucera interviewed Dr. Andrea Cheng-Hakimian about a retrospective study that included 28 years of data from women with epilepsy who gave birth in Washington State.

This US study compared the relative occurrence of selected pregnancy outcomes and postpartum rehospitalizations among women with and without epilepsy and their infants. It used linked hospital records of women with deliveries in Washington State between 1987 and 2014. 

Women with epilepsy had increased risks of preeclampsia (RR 1.23; 95 % CI 1.08-1.41) and gestational diabetes (RR 1.18; 95 % CI 1.02-1.36). Their infants had increased risks of malformation (RR 1.23; 95 % C: 1.08-1.42) and small for gestational age (RR 1.39; 95 % CI 1.25-1.54) , and were nearly three times as likely to not be breastfed. 

Mothers (RR 5.25; 95 % CI 2.46-11.23) and their infants (RR 1.64, 95 % CI 1.41-1.89) required more ICU admissions during hospitalization for delivery and more postpartum rehospitalization, with greatest risk in the first six months. 

Maternal mortality (up to 2 years after delivery) was increased (RR 7.11; 95 % CI 2.47-20.49). Risks of preterm delivery and low birthweight increased over the study time period (p <.05). 

The 2024 e-forum series from ILAE starts June 10th with a session on outcomes beyond seizures in the childhood onset epilepsies. The forum feature several experts, examining the topic in detail with live Q&A sessions and key learning points. Registrants also get access to relevant research papers and a self-paced virtual course to consolidate their learning. Visit ilae.org/congresses and click on the webinar tab to see more information and register. 

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