Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder According to the Dose and Trimester of Exposure to Antiseizure Medications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis ()
ABSTRACT
Background: The association between prenatal exposure to antiseizure medications
(ASM) and autism spectrum disorder has been documented. This study sought to
examine and synthesize evidence from studies that have evaluated these
associations, with particular focus on the trimester of pregnancy and dosage of
exposure. Methodology: PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were
searched following strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. 10 studies were
recruited involving children born to mothers with epilepsy who took ASM during
pregnancy as cases, and those with epilepsy who did not take any ASM in
pregnancy. Results: The relative risk of
developing ASD among children exposed to valproic acid (RR, 3.90 [95% CI: 2.36
- 6.44], p < 0.006), was twice higher than that of carbamazepine (RR, 1.65 [95%
CI: 0.62 - 4.37], p < 0.0001), or lamotrigine (RR, 1.60 [95% CI: 0.77 - 3.32],
p = 0.006). The trimester of exposure and dosage of ASM administered were not
significant. Conclusion: In summary, prenatal exposure to ASM increased
the risk of developing ASD in children. The relative risk was twice as high in
those exposed to valproic acid compared to those exposed to carbamazepine or
lamotrigine. Trimester of pregnancy and dosage of ASM used by the mothers
were not significant.
Share and Cite:
Mohamed, Z. , Thokerunga, E. , Jimale, A. , Liu, Z. and Fan, J. (2023) Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder According to the Dose and Trimester of Exposure to Antiseizure Medications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
13, 106-121. doi:
10.4236/ojpsych.2023.132011.
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