Essential Reads: The Impact of Prenatal Lithium Exposure on Offspring Cognitive Functioning
This clinical cohort study showed no impact of prenatal lithium exposure on cognitive functioning in children 6 to 14 years of age.
Exposure to Antidepressants During Pregnancy: Less Impact on Long Term Outcomes Than Previously Reported
Rommel and colleagues present a systematic review examining the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to antidepressants on physical, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric outcomes in children 4 years of age or older.
In Brief: Maybe Breastfeeding Doesn’t Boost IQ
Over the years, various studies have demonstrated the many advantages of breastfeeding, findings that have led the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend that all mothers breastfeed their children for the first year of the [...]
Postpartum Depression and Its Effects on Children’s IQ
The research of Lynne Murray and Peter Cooper in the 1990s was pivotal in terms of demonstrating the negative effects of postpartum depression on the cognitive development of young children and played an important role [...]
Breastfeeding and Anti-Epileptic Medications
Because breastfeeding has many psychological and medical benefits for both the mother and her child, many women would like to breastfeed. However, all medications taken by the mother are secreted into the breast milk. While various studies have addressed the short-term safety of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in nursing infants, none have systematically assessed the long-term effects of exposure to these drugs on cognitive development.
Cognitive Development in Children Exposed to Levetiracetam (Keppra)
An increasing number of reproductive age women now take newer anticonvulsants for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these medications is limited. A recent study has evaluated the cognitive and language development of children born to women with epilepsy exposed in utero to levetiracetam (LEV, Keppra) or sodium valproate (VPA, Depakote), as compared to control children born to women without epilepsy not taking medication during pregnancy.
Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs Associated with Worse Developmental Outcomes
We have previously written about studies which indicate that prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), particularly valproic acid, may adversely affect the developing fetus. Numerous studies have documented long-term effects of antiepileptic exposure on cognitive functioning: prenatal exposure to AEDs has been associated with lower IQs, as well as lower scores on tests of executive functioning, memory, verbal and nonverbal abilities, in children at 6 yeas of age (Meador KJ et al, 2012). These deficits were the most prominent in children exposed to valproic acid.
Mild to Moderate Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy Associated with Lower Cognitive Functioning
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. We have known for a long time that severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy may affect the cognitive development of the unborn child. According to a recent Lancet study, even children born to women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy are at increased risk for lower IQ and reading ability (assessed at age 9). The most severe effects were observed among children born to women with severe deficiency (<50 mcg/g iodine:creatinine ratio).
Valproic Acid and Pregnancy: FDA Issues Warning
There have been multiple recent reports indicating that the use of valproate during pregnancy may be associated with lower IQ, cognitive problems, and developmental delays in exposed children. This has prompted the FDA to issue a warning regarding the use of valproate-containing drugs, including Depakote and Depakene, during pregnancy:
Exposure to Valproic Acid and Increased Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders
There have long been concerns regarding the use of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote, VPA) during pregnancy. First trimester use of valproate has been associated with a 3-5% risk of neural tube defects, as well as an increased risk of other malformations affecting the heart and other organ systems. Multiple reports have also indicated that in utero exposure to valproate may also negatively affect cognitive development.