Seizure Control in Women with Epilepsy Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (P14-1.011)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> The objective of this study was to determine the effect of assisted reproductive technology on seizure control in women with epilepsy. <h3>Background:</h3> Information available about seizure control in women with epilepsy undergoing assisted reproductive technology is sparse, limited to only a few case reports. Extrapolations are often made from situations that similarly heighten the oestrogen-progesterone ratio. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> From a database of 3858 women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) or frozen embryo transfer (FET) from January 1992–May 2021, 12 women with epilepsy were identified. Data was obtained through retrospective chart review. <h3>Results:</h3> From the 12 women identified, the median age of epilepsy onset was 20 years of age (range 25 – 42) with 6 (50%) having epilepsy onset in childhood. There were 26 embryo transfers, resulting in 14 pregnancies and 8 live births. Nine women (75%) were seizure free for &gt;2 years prior to infertility treatment. Seven women (58%) were on anti-seizure medications (ASMs) throughout fertility treatment and pregnancy with only one on polytherapy. Levels of ASMs were followed and adjusted in 3 of the 7 (43%). Eleven women (all with controlled epilepsy or epilepsy in remission) remained seizure free throughout fertility treatment. One woman, who had drug-resistant epilepsy, continued to have seizures throughout infertility treatment and pregnancy without an exacerbation of seizure frequency and with close monitoring and adjustment of ASMs. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> There was no seizure worsening in this cohort of 12 women with epilepsy undergoing assisted reproductive technology. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Abdulrazaq has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ainsworth has nothing to disclose. Dr. Britton has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Online course with American Clinical Neurophysiology Society. Dr. Shenoy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Babayev has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cascino has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for International League Against Epilepsy . The institution of Dr. Cascino has received research support from Neurelis, Inc.. The institution of Dr. Cascino has received research support from Epilepsy Study Consortium. The institution of Dr. Cascino has received research support from NINDS. Dr. Cascino has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Cascino has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Cascino has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. The institution of Dr. Smith has received research support from CURE Epilepsy.