Shifting Valproic Acid to Levetiracetam in Women of Childbearing Age With Epilepsy: A Retrospective Investigation and Review of the Literature.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Valproic acid is the most high-risk teratogenic antiepileptic drug, and it may lead to fetal major congenital malformations. However, it is still used in women of childbearing age with epilepsy. The aim of this study was to report our experience of discontinuing or lowering valproic acid by adding levetiracetam, a low-risk teratogenic antiepileptic drug. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of childbearing age female patients with epilepsy who were treated with valproic acid initially and then switched to levetiracetam. The clinical profiles were recorded. The primary outcome was successful switching, which was defined as a decrease in the daily valproic acid dosage, after levetiracetam had been added. Results: Twenty-four female patients were enrolled (median age 22 years).

SUBMITTER: Kuo CY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7193743 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature