Rational use of new antiepileptic drugs in women with epilepsy during pregnancy and its research progress

Epilepsy is one of the most frequent neurological disorders. About 25% of people with epilepsy are women of child-bearing age. Most women with epilepsy should continue to take antiepileptic drug (AED) even during pregnancy to control seizure. Almost all AED can enter the fetus's body through the placenta barrier to induce potential damages. The new AED have increasingly been used in pregnant women with epilepsy due to its lower risk of teratogenicity. However, the gestation-induced pharmacokinetic alterations of these new AED also should be taken into account. Therefore, we should carry out detailed health education and medication guidance, frequent AED plasma concentration monitoring, strict prenatal examination and appropriate folic acid supplementation in pregnant women with epilepsy. This paper aims to provide a reference for the rational individual treatment strategy of pregnant women with epilepsy. Key words: Epilepsy; Drugs therapy; Teratogenesis; Pharmacokinetics; Pregnant women