Breastfeeding in children of women taking antiepileptic drugs: cognitive outcomes at age 6 years.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Breastfeeding is known to have beneficial effects, but concern exists that breastfeeding during maternal antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy may be harmful. We previously noted no adverse effects of breastfeeding associated with AED use on IQ at age 3 years, but IQ at age 6 years is more predictive of school performance and adult abilities.

Objectives

To examine the effects of AED exposure via breastfeeding on cognitive functions at age 6 years.

Design, setting, and participants

Prospective observational multicenter study of long-term neurodevelopmental effects of AED use. Pregnant women with epilepsy receiving monotherapy (ie, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, or valproate) were enrolled from October 14, 1999, through April 14, 2004, in the United States

SUBMITTER: Meador KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4122685 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature