Epilepsy Drug Linked to Autism Risk
Study: Children Exposed to Epilepsy Drug in Utero More Likely to Develop Autism
A Dilemma Treating Epilepsy
According to Goldstein, doctors are aware that some antiseizure drugs can cause abnormalities in the brain.
Goldstein and the makers of the drug say pregnant women with epilepsy often have to choose between the lesser of two risks.
"We generally try to avoid valproic acid in women who might be pregnant," said Goldstein. "But for some women who have difficulty in controlling epilepsy, they're better off taking the medicine than having seizures. The consensus is that seizures are worse for the babies than the medicine."
Abbott, the makers of the brand name valproic acid drug called Depakote, also drives home this point.
"Uncontrolled seizures can cause permanent damage to the brain and for pregnant women can be fatal for both mother and child," said Raquel Powers, a spokeswoman for Abbott.
"The Depakote product label makes it clear that it should not be used as a first line treatment for women of childbearing age," she added. "For many women, however, Depakote may be the only effective seizure medication and that decision should be made between the patient and physician."
At least for Goldstein, the research raised more questions about autism than about the risk of valproic acid.
"There's so much data that valproic acid caused problems with babies that this doesn't change our attitude toward the drug," said Goldstein.
But with this study, "There's an inkling that there may be a specific kind of brain injury resulting from a chemical exposure in utero that causes autism -- that would be more of a surprise and more of a change."
However, Dr. Jacqueline French, a professor of neurology at the New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in Manhattan, believes there are still lessons to be learned about valproic acid.
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