A retrospective study of antiepileptic drug treatment in pregnancy and birth outcomes in Malta, a small island state

Abstract

RATIONALE: Pregnancy in woman with epilepsy can give rise to several serious medical problems and always belongs to the group of high obstetric risks. The aim of the retrospective study was the evaluation of the efficiency of antiepileptic treatment during pregnancy, including risk factor, effects on pregnancy and delivery in pregnant women with epilepsy in Malta, a small island state with a population of 400,000, for the period, 1996–2005, compared with the general pregnant population receiving the same obstetric care.

METHODS: The medical and obstetric data records of mothers with epilepsy (PWE) who gave birth between January 1996 and December 2005 in Malta was reviewed from the 120 Monthly Birth Registers for the period 1996–2005 together with Malta Congenital Anomalies Register for the same period. Data obtained was statistically analysed and compared to that of the whole population. The study methodology used was adapted to the methodology used in similar investigations carried out by Richmond et al (2004) in Quebec.

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