Assessment of School-Aged Children of Mothers With Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy.

Abstract

The aim is to examine the cognitive domains, behavioral domains, and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in children of mothers with idiopathic generalized epilepsy who had been exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero. Forty school-aged children born to 23 mothers with idiopathic generalized epilepsy were compared with 40 healthy children born to 34 healthy mothers. Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale was applied to all children to assess their cognitive functions. Child Behavior Checklist was used to assess their behavioral characteristics. EEG was done for the epileptic mothers and their children. Children exposed to AEDs showed significantly lower scores in the verbal reasoning, visual reasoning, and global intelligence quotient (IQ). There was a significantly positive correlation between children's global IQ and maternal global IQ. Multiple regression analysis showed that in utero exposure to valproate and maternal IQ were the most independent factors affecting children's IQ. EEG findings of participating children were normal. Exposure to valproic acid during fetal life and maternal IQ represent confounding factors affecting the IQ of children with in utero exposure to AEDs.