Fetomaternal outcome in epilepsy in pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in obstetrics. Pregnancy with epilepsy is associated with increased risk of complications such as preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm delivery. Aims and Objectives: To study the fetomaternal outcome of pregnancies complicated by epilepsy. Materials and Methods: This was a single center retrospective study conducted over a period of 27 months from March 2017 to June 2019. Maternal variables studied included baseline parameters such as age, parity, and mode of delivery. Other variables studied included duration of epilepsy, seizure during pregnancy, antiepileptic drug usage in pregnancy, and maternal complications. Fetal outcome variables analyzed were number of live birth, stillbirth, birth weight, Apgar score, congenital anomalies, and perinatal complications. Results: Out of 40 patients with epilepsy in pregnancy, 28 were on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during the current pregnancy. The cesarean section rate was 65% in these patients which were higher than in patients without epilepsy. Fourteen patients (35%) delivered vaginally out of which ten were induced. There were six patients who had convulsions four had convulsions in the antepartum period and two had convulsions in the postpartum period. Maternal outcome included gestational hypertension in 6 (15%), postpartum hemorrhage in 1 (2.5%), premature rupture of membranes in 2 (5%), hypothyroidism in 2 (5%), and no maternal death. Prematurity was observed in 10%, low birth weight in 22.5%, and IUGR in 15%. All the neonates received 1 mg of Vitamin K at birth liveborn infants were delivered in 36. Conclusion: There was no maternal mortality in our study. The good maternal outcome is because of early booking, regular antenatal visits and regular intake of folic acid, and appropriate number and dose of AEDs. Epilepsy in pregnancy is a high-risk factor which needs thorough evaluation and care from preconception to delivery. These women need delivery at a tertiary care center for the optimum outcome for the perinatal complications.