Update to the Hong Kong Epilepsy Guideline: evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of women with epilepsy throughout the reproductive cycle.
Hong Kong Med J
; 26(5): 421-431, 2020 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33089787
Since the publication of the Hong Kong Epilepsy Guideline in 2009, there has been significant progress in antiepileptic drug development. New AEDs have emerged, and data about their uses have been published. Women require special attention in epilepsy care. Drug teratogenicity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, contraception, reproduction technology, menopause, and catamenial epilepsy are major topics. Antiepileptic drugs should be chosen individually for patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant with consideration of their teratogenicity and seizure control properties. Folate is commonly prescribed for women of childbearing age who are taking antiepileptic drugs. Spontaneous vaginal delivery and breastfeeding are not contra-indicated in most cases but need to be considered individually based on the patient's medical condition and wishes. Serum drug level monitoring of certain antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy and puerperium can guide dosage adjustment. For catamenial epilepsy, intermittent benzodiazepines such as clobazam during the susceptible phase of the menstrual cycle could be a treatment option.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pregnancy Complications
/
Practice Guidelines as Topic
/
Epilepsy
/
Reproductive Health
/
Anticonvulsants
Type of study:
Guideline
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Hong Kong Med J
Journal subject:
MEDICINA
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Hong Kong