FETOMATERNAL OUTCOME IN EPILEPSY IN PREGNANCY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background:Epilepsy is the most commonly encountered neurological disorder in Obstetrics after migraine. Incidence of seizure disorder in pregnancy is estimated to be 0.3 - 0.5% of all births.Infants born to mothers with epilepsy and exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero have increased risk for birth defects (4–6%) when compared with infants not exposed (1–2%) to these drugs. Objective:To assess thefetomaternal outcome in pregnancy with epilepsy in Jammu. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over a period of one year in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMGS Hospital, a tertiary care center, Jammu, India. Total 130 epilepsy cases were included in this study. These patients were managed with a team of neurologist, obstetrician, radiologist and a neonatologist. The patients were thoroughly examined, assessed and monitored regarding the feto-maternal outcome. Results: In our study, we have included 130 epilepsy patients. The incidence of epilepsy in pregnancy in our hospital is 0.54%. The mean age of participating women in our study was 24.7+8.63 years. 41 (31.5%) were using Lamotrigine as antiepileptic drug in pregnancy, gestational hypertension was the most common maternal complication in 28 (21.5%). Mode of delivery was LSCS in majority of the women i.e. 74 (56.9%). Conclusion: These women should be managed with monotherapy at the lowest possible dosage to diminish the risk of complications and also maintain good seizure control. The perinatal complications can be diminished by the close coordination between the Neurologists, Obstetrician and the Pediatrician.