Neurologic birth defects after prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs

Abstract

Maternal epilepsy has a potential for fetal injury, either antiepileptic drug (AED)-induced or as a consequence of seizures per se. The intent of this article is to explore this relationship, discussing similar patterns of malformations seen with AEDs or different disease exposure during pregnancy, and the potential role of gap junctional intercellular communication in abnormal morphogenesis. © 2008 International League Against Epilepsy.