Carbamazepine (All indications)

Exposed non-exposed, cohort studies

Study Country
Study period
Study design
Data source Exposure definition Non-exposure definition Exposition period Sample size
(exposed/unexposed) Or (case / control)
Remarks Risk of bias
Adab (Carbamazepine)
2004
UK
1989 - 1999
retrospective cohort
The Mersey Regional Epilepsy Clinic, the Epilepsy Clinic at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and the antenatal clinic at St Mary’s Hospital. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero and born to mothers with epilepsy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children unexposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero and born to mothers with epilepsy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 94 / 101 Vinten et al., 2009 is completely overlapped for the language and cognitive delay assessment (with more exposed pregnancies and better scale in this publication).
A clinician conducted semi-structured interviews of mothers and clinical records were used to confirm information.
Adams (Carbamazepine)
2022
Boston, USA
1983-1993 1996-2000
retrospective cohort
First at five maternity hospitals in the Boston area then during the second recruitment phase from a large health maintenance organization in the Boston area. Children following gestational exposure to carbamazepine monotherapy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to antiseizure medication-unexposed women with seizure disorders.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 41 / 41 Pregnant women with any exposure to other agents known to be of teratogenic concern during pregnancy were excluded. Additionally, children who were born prematurely were excluded from the study.
Women were interviewed during the peri- and post- partum periods regarding multiple pregnancy characteristics and risks.
Al Bunyan (Carbamazepine)
1999
Saudi Arabia
1985 - 1994
retrospective cohort
King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh (KKUH) Children whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children whose epileptic mothers did not take antiepileptic drugs during the pregnancy because their seizures were in remission and as a personal preference.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 31 / 10 The control group with the data of historical controls in Saudi Arabia isn't an adequate control group.
The antenatal and perinatal records of the pregnant epileptic patients were examined.
Alsfouk (Carbamazepine)
2022
Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
2005 - 2020
retrospective cohort
The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Epileptic mothers with carbamazepine monotherapy administered during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Epileptic mothers with lamotrigine monotherapy administered during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 31 / 15
Patients records.
Alsfouk (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2021
Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
1993 - 2020
retrospective cohort
The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Epileptic mothers with carbamazepine monotherapy administered during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Epileptic mothers with lamotrigine monotherapy administered during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 31 / 15
Patients’ electronic and paper-based medical records.
Alsfouk (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2021
Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
1993 - 2020
retrospective cohort
The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Epileptic mothers with carbamazepine monotherapy administered during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Epileptic mothers who did not take antiseizure medications during pregnancies.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 31 / 30
Patients’ electronic and paper-based medical records.
AlSheikh (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2020
Saudi Arabia
2018 - 2019
prospective cohort
King Fahd University Hospital Fetuses/neonates of patients with active epilepsy who received carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Fetuses/neonates of patients with active epilepsy who received lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 5 / 20
Information was collected through a structured questionnaire ‘Questionnaire for Investigation of Epilepsy in Tropical Countries'.
AlSheikh (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2020
Saudi Arabia
2018 - 2019
prospective cohort
King Fahd University Hospital Fetuses/neonates of patients with active epilepsy who received carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Fetuses/neonates of patients with active epilepsy who did not take antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 5 / 8
Information was collected through a structured questionnaire ‘Questionnaire for Investigation of Epilepsy in Tropical Countries'.
Arkilo (Carbamazepine)
2015
USA
2006 - 2011
retrospective cohort
Minnesota Epilepsy Group, P.A. of United Hospital and Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Singleton whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy at any point during the pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Singleton whose epileptic mothers were exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy at any point during the pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 17 / 24
Questionnaires were sent to women.
Artama (Carbamazepine)
2005
Finland
1991 - 2000
retrospective cohort (registry)
The Medical Birth Register and the Social Insurance Institution (SII) of Finland. Children whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine as monotherapy during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children whose epileptic mothers were untreated during the first trimester of pregnancy.
1st trimester 805 / 939
Information on the antiepileptic drugs received during pregnancy was abstracted from medical records of the mothers with epilepsy.
Artama (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2013
Finland
1996 - 2008
population based cohort retrospective
The Medical Birth Register (MBR), the Finnish Malformation Register, the Special Refund Entitlement Register, the Register on Reimbursement Drugs and Cause-of-Death Register. Births in pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy 1 month prior to pregnancy and/or any time during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Births in pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy 1 month prior to pregnancy and/or any time during pregnancy.
3rd trimester, during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 1084 / 173 Births with AED exposure without maternal epilepsy diagnosis were excluded from the analyses.
The Special Refund Entitlement Register and the Register on Reimbursement Drugs contained informations on maternal drug treatment under ATC category N03.
Artama (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2013
Finland
1996 - 2008
population based cohort retrospective
The Medical Birth Register (MBR), the Finnish Malformation Register, the Special Refund Entitlement Register, the Register on Reimbursement Drugs and Cause-of-Death Register. Births in pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy 1 month prior to pregnancy and/or any time during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Births in pregnant women without epilepsy and unexposed to any antiepileptic drugs 1 month prior to pregnancy and/or any time during pregnancy.
3rd trimester, during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 1084 / 721948
The Special Refund Entitlement Register and the Register on Reimbursement Drugs contained informations on maternal drug treatment under ATC category N03.
Artama (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2013
Finland
1996 - 2008
population based cohort retrospective
The Medical Birth Register (MBR), the Finnish Malformation Register, the Special Refund Entitlement Register, the Register on Reimbursement Drugs and Cause-of-Death Register. Births in pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy 1 month prior to pregnancy and/or any time during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Births in pregnant women with epilepsy and unexposed to any antiepileptic drugs 1 month prior to pregnancy and/or any time during pregnancy.
3rd trimester, during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 1084 / 1800
The Special Refund Entitlement Register and the Register on Reimbursement Drugs contained informations on maternal drug treatment under ATC category N03.
Aydin (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2020
Turkey
2007 - 2017
retrospective cohort
The Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University Pregnant women with epilepsy who received carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy who received lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 15 / 7 There were no patients who had drug changes or discontinued during pregnancy.
Data were obtained from Perinatology Division’s computerized system. Antiepileptic drug use were reported.
Aydin (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2020
Turkey
2007 - 2017
retrospective cohort
The Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University Pregnant women with epilepsy who received carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy with no antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 15 / 22 There were no patients who had drug changes or discontinued during pregnancy.
Data were obtained from Perinatology Division’s computerized system. Antiepileptic drug use were reported.
Baker (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2015
UK
2000 - 2004
prospective cohort
11 National Health Service hospitals. Children born to women with epilepsy and exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born to women with epilepsy and exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy in utero.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 59 / 36 Women were excluded from recruitment if they had a severe learning disability or other chronic health condition requiring medication. Neuro-developmental disorders (as a whole) better assess in Bromley et al. 2013.
An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic drugs.
Baker (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2015
UK
2000 - 2004
prospective cohort
11 National Health Service hospitals. Children born to women with epilepsy and exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children born to women without epilepsy recruited from the same antenatal clinics of similar age, parity, and employment and residing within the same postal area.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 59 / 287 Women were excluded from recruitment if they had a severe learning disability or other chronic health condition requiring medication. Neuro-developmental disorders (as a whole) better assess in Bromley et al. 2013.
An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic drugs.
Baker (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2015
UK
2000 - 2004
prospective cohort
11 National Health Service hospitals. Children born to women with epilepsy and exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to women with epilepsy and unexposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 59 / 34 Women were excluded from recruitment if they had a severe learning disability or other chronic health condition requiring medication. Neuro-developmental disorders (as a whole) better assess in Bromley et al. 2013.
An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic drugs.
Ban (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2015
UK
1990 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Health Improvement Network (THIN). Singleton live births of mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in first trimester of pregnancy (from four weeks before conception up to the end of 1st trimester). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Singleton live births of mothers exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy in first trimester of pregnancy (from four weeks before conception up to the end of 1st trimester).
1st trimester 343 / 273 Exclusion of children of mothers with a diagnosis of diabetes or prescriptions for anti-diabetic medication before or during pregnancy. 'Among mothers prescribed AEDs in pregnancy, the majority (81%) had epilepsy'.
Relevant drug prescription in mothers’ primary care electronic health records from four weeks before conception to childbirth.
Ban (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications) (Controls unexposed NOS)
2015
UK
1990 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Health Improvement Network (THIN). Singleton live births of mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in first trimester of pregnancy (from four weeks before conception up to the end of 1st trimester). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Singleton live births of mothers without antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy.
1st trimester 343 / 257153 Exclusion of children of mothers with a diagnosis of diabetes or prescriptions for anti-diabetic medication before or during pregnancy. 'Among mothers prescribed AEDs in pregnancy, the majority (81%) had epilepsy'.
Relevant drug prescription in mothers’ primary care electronic health records from four weeks before conception to childbirth.
Bank (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications)
2017
USA
2002 - 2006
prospective cohort
Emory Women’s Epilepsy and Mental Health Programs Singleton pregnancies in mothers taking carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Singleton pregnancies in mothers taking lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 8 / 36
Medical records were obtained for review from the treating obstetrician, the delivery hospital, and the treating pediatrician. Umbilical cord and maternal venous blood were collected to measure total anti-epileptic levels by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Barqawi (Carbamazepine)
2005
Jordan
Not specified
retrospective cohort
King Hussein Medical Centre antenatal clinic. Pregnant women treated for epilepsy received monotherapy with carbamazepine. unexposed, sick
Pregnant epileptic women who received no drugs because they refused treatment for fear of harming the fetus.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 16 / 18
All patients were on treatment before pregnancy and the serum level of the drugs was taken at each visit.
Barroso (Carbamazepine)
2015
Brazil
2000 - 2010
retrospective cohort
The register of the Sao Paulo Hospital’s obstetrics center. Newborns of epileptic parturients receiving carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Newborns of nonepileptic parturients who had deliveries immediately before and after the delivery of epileptic parturients.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 12 / 316
The complete medical records of both the mother and her newborn were later analyzed.
Battino (Carbamazepine)
1992
Milan
1977 - 1989
prospective cohort
The Milan Collaborative Study on Epilepsy and Pregnancy Offspring of epileptic mothers treated with carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Offspring of epileptic mothers with no antiepileptic drugs administered.
1st trimester 61 / 9 The results for the malformations are already available in Canger 1999 (a more recent publication with a larger exposed group) except for minor malformations.
At least every 4 weeks throughout the pregnancy blood samples were taken for measurement of antiepileptic drugs concentrations.
Battino (Carbamazepine)
1999
Japan, Italy and Canada
1978 - 1991
prospective cohort
Centers in Japan, Italy and Canada Infants whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy until term. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants whose epileptic mothers were not treated with antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 158 / 36 Each country has its own reference standards, then the data from the different countries are pooled. Exposition period deducted from Kaneko 1999.
Mothers were seen by an obstetrician and neurologist at least every 4 weeks throughout pregnancy, and blood samples were taken for the measurement of antiepileptic drugs concentrations.
Bech (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications)
2018
Denmark
2005 - 2008
population based cohort propective
The Danish Prescription Register, the Danish Medical Birth Register, the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register and Danish National Patient Registry. Singleton offspring of mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy within 90 days prior to conception to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Singleton offspring of mothers exposed to antiepileptic drugs at any time but not during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 35 / 434
The Danish National Prescription Register was used to obtain data on redeemed prescriptions using Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes.
Bjørk (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2018
Norway
1999 - 2008
population based cohort propective
The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children of women with reported epilepsy and carbamazepine monotherapy use during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children of women with reported epilepsy and lamotrigine monotherapy use during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 70 / 104
Information on anti-epileptics use was obtained from the questionnaires completed by mothers during gestational weeks 17 to 19 (Q1) and 30 (Q2); and through the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.
Bjørk (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2022
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
1996 - 2017
population based cohort retrospective
Social register data from Danemark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden for SCAN-AED: Nordic register-based study of antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy. Pregnacies in mothers filling at least one carbamazepine monotherapy prescription from her last menstrual period until birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnacies in epileptic mothers filling at least one lamotrigine monotherapy prescription from her last menstrual period until birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 3256 / 7950 Overlapping between Dreier 2023 and Bjork 2022 for ASD (2 outcomes) and also with Daugaard 2020 for Intellectual disabilities (2 outcomes), with more pregnancies in Bjork 2022 because all indications included => use of Bjork 2022 data.
Prescriptions through national prescription registers according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification codes N03, N05BA09, and S01EC01.
Bjørk (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS) (Mixed indications)
2022
Danemark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
1996 - 2017
population based cohort retrospective
Social register data from Danemark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden for SCAN-AED: Nordic register-based study of antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy. Pregnacies in mothers filling at least one carbamazepine monotherapy prescription from her last menstrual period until birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Pregnacies in mothers without antiseizure medication prescription from her last menstrual period until birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 3256 / 4463879 Overlapping between Dreier 2023 and Bjork 2022 for ASD (2 outcomes) and also with Daugaard 2020 for Intellectual disabilities (2 outcomes), with more pregnancies in Bjork 2022 because all indications included => use of Bjork 2022 data.
Prescriptions through national prescription registers according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification codes N03, N05BA09, and S01EC01.
Bjørk (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2018
Norway
1999 - 2008
population based cohort propective
The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children of women with reported epilepsy and carbamazepine monotherapy use during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
All children of mothers without reported epilepsy unexposed to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 70 / 104222
Information on anti-epileptics use was obtained from the questionnaires completed by mothers during gestational weeks 17 to 19 (Q1) and 30 (Q2); and through the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.
Bjørk (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2018
Norway
1999 - 2008
population based cohort propective
The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children of women with reported epilepsy and carbamazepine monotherapy use during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children of women with reported epilepsy but no antiepileptic drug intake during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 70 / 389 In this control group 127 (70.9%) reported inactive epilepsy defined as not using AEDs during the 2 years before conception or no seizures during the previous 5 years.
Information on anti-epileptics use was obtained from the questionnaires completed by mothers during gestational weeks 17 to 19 (Q1) and 30 (Q2); and through the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.
Bjørk (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) (Mixed indications)
2022
Danemark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
1996 - 2017
population based cohort retrospective
Social register data from Danemark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden for SCAN-AED: Nordic register-based study of antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy. Pregnacies in mothers filling at least one carbamazepine monotherapy prescription from her last menstrual period until birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnacies in epileptic mothers without antiseizure medication prescription from her last menstrual period until birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 3256 / 21634 Overlapping between Dreier 2023 and Bjork 2022 for ASD (2 outcomes) and also with Daugaard 2020 for Intellectual disabilities (2 outcomes), with more pregnancies in Bjork 2022 because all indications included => use of Bjork 2022 data.
Prescriptions through national prescription registers according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification codes N03, N05BA09, and S01EC01.
Blotière (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2019
France
2011 - 2015
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The French national health insurance database (DCIR) and the French hospital discharge database (PMSI). Pregnancies exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy between 1 month before and 2 months after the beginning of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnancies exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy between 1 month before and 2 months after the beginning of pregnancy.
1st trimester 512 / 2997 Authors excluded twin pregnancies and pregnancies with a chromosomal abnormality identified. Less than 90% of exposed pregnancies have a proxy for epilepsy. Publication's OR were not kept when lower limit of the confidence interval or OR equal to 0.
The French national health insurance database contains all health care claims reimbursed by French National Health Insurance. Include dispensed drugs coded according to the ATC classification. Monotherapy was defined as the absence of any other antiepileptic drug dispensed during the same period.
Blotière (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS) (Mixed indications)
2019
France
2011 - 2015
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The French national health insurance database (DCIR) and the French hospital discharge database (PMSI). Pregnancies exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy between 1 month before and 2 months after the beginning of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Pregnancies with no reimbursement for antiepileptic drugs.
1st trimester 512 / 1875733 Twin pregnancies and pregnancies with a documented chromosomal abnormality identified excluded. Less than 90% of exposed pregnancies have a proxy for epilepsy. Publication's OR were not kept when lower limit of the confidence interval or OR equal to 0.
The French national health insurance database contains all health care claims reimbursed by French National Health Insurance. Include dispensed drugs coded according to the ATC classification. Monotherapy was defined as the absence of any other antiepileptic drug dispensed during the same period.
Borthen (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2010
Norway
1999 - 2005
population based cohort retrospective
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway, the National Population Registry Births in women who gave a past or present history of epilepsy and exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Births in women who gave a past or present history of epilepsy and exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 388 / 233
A standardised antenatal form is filled in by doctors and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery. Pregnancies registered with an anticonvulsant drug (according to ATC Classification System) were categorised as exposed.
Borthen (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2011
Norway
1999 - 2006
retrospective cohort
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the National Population Registry. Women with epilepsy using carbamazepine as monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Women with epilepsy using lamotrigine as monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 28 / 30 A previous publication (Borthen 2010) gives a better review of the outcomes 'caesarean', 'postpartum haemorrhage' and 'induction of labour' (adjusted OR and largest exposed population). As Veiby 2014 for the outcomes 'major malformations'.
Informations were extracted from a standardised antenatal form filled in by doctors and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery and also from the neurological case records (according to ATC Classification System).
Borthen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2010
Norway
1999 - 2005
population based cohort retrospective
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway, the National Population Registry Births in women who gave a past or present history of epilepsy and exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Births in women without a past or present history of epilepsy and unexposed to any antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 388 / 362302
A standardised antenatal form is filled in by doctors and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery. Pregnancies registered with an anticonvulsant drug (according to ATC Classification System) were categorised as exposed.
Borthen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2011
Norway
1999 - 2006
retrospective cohort
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the National Population Registry Women with epilepsy using carbamazepine as monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Women without epilepsy recruited and identified from the database randomly selected among the deliveries in the same week at the same hospital as the case with epilepsy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 28 / 205 A previous publication (Borthen 2010) gives a better review of the outcomes 'caesarean', 'postpartum haemorrhage' and 'induction of labour' (adjusted OR and largest exposed population). As Veiby 2014 for the outcomes 'major malformations'
Informations were extracted from a standardised antenatal form filled in by doctors and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery and also from the neurological case records (according to ATC Classification System).
Borthen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2010
Norway
1999 - 2005
population based cohort retrospective
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway, the National Population Registry Births in women who gave a past or present history of epilepsy and exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Births in women who gave a past or present history of epilepsy and unexposed to any antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 388 / 1863
A standardised antenatal form is filled in by doctors and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery. Pregnancies registered with an anticonvulsant drug (according to ATC Classification System) were categorised as exposed.
Borthen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2011
Norway
1999 - 2006
retrospective cohort
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the National Population Registry Women with epilepsy using carbamazepine as monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Women with epilepsy not using any antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 28 / 89 A previous publication (Borthen 2010) gives a better review of the outcomes 'caesarean', 'postpartum haemorrhage' and 'induction of labour' (adjusted OR and largest exposed population). As Veiby 2014 for the outcomes 'major malformations'.
Informations were extracted from a standardised antenatal form filled in by doctors and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery and also from the neurological case records (according to ATC Classification System).
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2010
UK
2000 - 2006
prospective cohort
11 different National Health Service hospitals within Merseyside and Greater Manchester (LMNDG: the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group) Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy in utero.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 48 / 34 Study design partly completed with Mawer et al., 2010. The locomotor dimension is already evaluated in Bromley et al., 2013 and language disorders/delay in Baker et al., 2015 (older children and better scales).
The research nurse took a personal and medical history in accordance with the prospectively designed Patient Basic and Control Basic Record Forms. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic medication. Information from the patient was supplemented from clinical records.
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2013
UK
2000 - 2004
prospective cohort
The Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group (LMNDG) Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 59 / 36 The children or mothers who had conditions likely to influence neurodevelopmental outcome were excluded. The result for autism spectrum disorders is an update compares to the preliminary findings presented in Bromley 2008.
Information was recorded from maternal interview and checked against medical records. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic durg type and dose.
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2010
UK
2000 - 2006
prospective cohort
11 different National Health Service hospitals within Merseyside and Greater Manchester (LMNDG: the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group) Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children born to mothers without epilepsy were recruited from the same antenatal clinics.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 48 / 230 Study design partly completed with Mawer et al., 2010. The locomotor dimension is already evaluated in Bromley et al., 2013 and language disorders/delay in Baker et al., 2015 (older children and better scales).
The research nurse took a personal and medical history in accordance with the prospectively designed Patient Basic and Control Basic Record Forms. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic medication. Information from the patient was supplemented from clinical records.
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2013
UK
2000 - 2004
prospective cohort
The Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group (LMNDG) Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children born to women without epilepsy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 59 / 285 The children or mothers who had conditions likely to influence neurodevelopmental outcome were excluded. The result for autism spectrum disorders is an update compares to the preliminary findings presented in Bromley 2008.
Information was recorded from maternal interview and checked against medical records. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic durg type and dose.
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2010
UK
2000 - 2006
prospective cohort
11 different National Health Service hospitals within Merseyside and Greater Manchester (LMNDG: the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group) Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to mothers with epilepsy not exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 48 / 27 Study design partly completed with Mawer et al., 2010. The locomotor dimension is already evaluated in Bromley et al., 2013 and language disorders/delay in Baker et al., 2015 (older children and better scales).
The research nurse took a personal and medical history in accordance with the prospectively designed Patient Basic and Control Basic Record Forms. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic medication. Information from the patient was supplemented from clinical records.
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2013
UK
2000 - 2004
prospective cohort
The Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group (LMNDG) Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children were born to women with epilepsy who were not taking medication during their pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 59 / 34 The children or mothers who had conditions likely to influence neurodevelopmental outcome were excluded. The result for autism spectrum disorders is an update compares to the preliminary findings presented in Bromley 2008.
Information was recorded from maternal interview and checked against medical records. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic durg type and dose.
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls exposed to LTG)
2023
United Kingdom
2014 - 2016
prospective cohort
The NaME (Neurodevelopment of Babies Born to Mothers With Epilepsy) Study, recruiting across the North West and North East of England and from Northern Ireland, UK. Pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to Carbamazepine during pregnancy. exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to Lamotrigine during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 27 / 106
The prescribed dose of the antiseizure medications was recorded prospectively from both medical records and maternal interviews at recruitment, and then again at ≥32 weeks gestation (by telephone interviews).
Bromley (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2023
United Kingdom
2014 - 2016
prospective cohort
The NaME (Neurodevelopment of Babies Born to Mothers With Epilepsy) Study, recruiting across the North West and North East of England and from Northern Ireland, UK. Pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to Carbamazepine during pregnancy. unexposed, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy and with no antiseizure medication.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 27 / 80
The prescribed dose of the antiseizure medications was recorded prospectively from both medical records and maternal interviews at recruitment, and then again at ≥32 weeks gestation (by telephone interviews).
Burja (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2006
Slovenia
1998 - 2002
retrospective cohort (registry)
Hospital neonatal and obstetric records at the Maribor Teaching Hospital Department of Perinatology, the Regional Hospital Discharge Registry and the the Perinatal Statistical Database of Slovenia. Newborn in women diagnosed as having epilepsy who had taken carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Newborn in a randomized sample of pregnant women who had received no prescription at all (with the only diagnosis 'vaginal delivery') in the same period.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 19 / 211
Hospital neonatal and obstetric records at the MariborTeaching Hospital Department of Perinatology.
Burja (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2006
Slovenia
1998 - 2002
retrospective cohort (registry)
Hospital neonatal and obstetric records at the Maribor Teaching Hospital Department of Perinatology, the Regional Hospital Discharge Registry and the Perinatal Statistical Database of Slovenia. Newborn in women diagnosed as having epilepsy who had taken carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Newborn in women diagnosed as having epilepsy who didn't take antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 19 / 32
Hospital neonatal and obstetric records at the MariborTeaching Hospital Department of Perinatology.
Campbell (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2014
UK and Ireland
1996 - 2012
prospective cohort
The United Kingdom Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register Infants of women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of women with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during the first trimester.
1st trimester 1718 / 2198 Morrow et al., 2009 specific malformations results and major malformations results from Morrow et al., 2006 and Campbell et al., 2013 are completely overlapped by this publication. Study design was partly completed with Morrow 2006.
Information was collected at registration and changes of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy were detected during the follow-up duration by sending a standardised questionnaire to the patient's general practitioner. Other health care practitioners were contacted if identified.
Campbell (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2014
UK and Ireland
1996 - 2012
prospective cohort
The United Kingdom Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register Infants of women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants of women with epilepsy on no antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
1st trimester 1718 / 541 Study design was partly completed with Morrow 2006. Morrow et al., 2006 major malformations results are completely overlapped by this publication with a larger exposed group.
Information was collected at registration and changes of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy were detected during the follow-up duration by sending a standardised questionnaire to the patient's general practitioner. Other health care practitioners were contacted if identified.
Canger (Carbamazepine)
1999
Italy
1977 - 1996
prospective cohort
The Epilepsy Center of the San Paolo Hospital in Milan or other in the Lombardy region. Infants of epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants of epileptic mothers unexposed to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
1st trimester 113 / 25 Only the first pregnancies of each of the 517 women were included in the analysis.
The patients received monthly obstetric and neurologic examinations, and antiepileptic drug blood levels were tested monthly.
Cassina (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2013
Italy
2000 - 2008
prospective cohort
Italian Teratology Information Services: Servizio di Informazione Teratologica, Telefono Rosso, Centro di Riferimento Regionale di Tossicologia Perinatale. Children whose epileptic or non-epileptic mothers were treated with carbamazepine in monotherapy between the 5th and the 14th week after their last menstrual period. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children whose epileptic or non-epileptic mothers were treated with lamotrigine in monotherapy between the 5th and the 14th week after their last menstrual period.
1st trimester 142 / 57 Chromosomal anomalies and genetic syndromes were excluded. Less than 90% of women are treated with Carbamazepine or Lamotrigine for epilepsy.
At the first contact with the service, pregnant women answered to a formulated questionnaire. In addition, details regarding the treatment with antiepileptic drugs taken after the first contact to the Teratology Information Service were ascertained by a follow-up telephone interview.
Cassina (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free) (Mixed indications)
2013
Italy
2000 - 2008
prospective cohort
Italian Teratology Information Services: Servizio di Informazione Teratologica, Telefono Rosso, Centro di Riferimento Regionale di Tossicologia Perinatale. Children whose epileptic or non-epileptic mothers were treated with carbamazepine in monotherapy between the 5th and the 14th week after their last menstrual period. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Healthy pregnant women randomly selected among patients who contacted the Teratology Information Services during their pregnancy with regard to exposure to agents known not to be teratogenic (i.e. paracetamol, hair dying, etc.) during a similar time frame.
1st trimester 142 / 867 Chromosomal anomalies and genetic syndromes were excluded. Less than 90% of women are treated with Carbamazepine for epilepsy.
At the first contact with the service, pregnant women answered to a formulated questionnaire. In addition, details regarding the treatment with antiepileptic drugs taken after the first contact to the Teratology Information Service were ascertained by a follow-up telephone interview.
Charlton (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2011
UK
1990 - 2006
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register. Infants of mother-baby pairs who had carbamazepine monotherapy exposure during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of mother-baby pairs who had lamotrigine monotherapy exposure during the first trimester.
1st trimester 311 / 98 The results obtained by the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register are already obtained in the publication of Morrow 2006, thus, only those extracted from the UK General Practice Research Database are implemented here.
Data generated during routine clinical practice in the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD). All prescriptions issued by general practitioners are recorded in the database.
Charlton (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2017
UK
2000 - 2006
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Mother–child pairs where the mother had epilepsy and received carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Mother–child pairs where the mother had epilepsy and received lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 148 / 122 The results obtained by the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group are already obtained by the publication of Bromley 2013, thus, only those extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink are implemented here.
Determined from issued prescription records. The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink contains anonymised, patient medical and prescribing records routinely collected within general practice.
Charlton (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2017
UK
2000 - 2006
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Mother–child pairs where the mother had epilepsy and received carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Mother–child pairs where the mother did not meet the epilepsy criteria and had not been prescribed an antiepileptic drug at any time prior to her child turning age 6 years.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 148 / 6048 The results obtained by the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group are already obtained by the publication of Bromley 2013, thus, only those extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink are implemented here.
Determined from issued prescription records. The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink contains anonymised, patient medical and prescribing records routinely collected within general practice.
Charlton (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2011
UK
1990 - 2006
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register. Infants of mother-baby pairs who had carbamazepine monotherapy exposure during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants of mother-baby pairs who had no antiepleptic drug exposure during the first trimester.
1st trimester 311 / 902 The results obtained by the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register are already obtained in the publication of Morrow 2006, thus, only those extracted from the UK General Practice Research Database are implemented here.
Data generated during routine clinical practice in the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD). All prescriptions issued by general practitioners are recorded in the database.
Charlton (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2017
UK
2000 - 2006
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Mother–child pairs where the mother had epilepsy and received carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Mother–child pairs where the mother had epilepsy and no antiepileptic drug exposure during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 148 / 472 The results obtained by the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Group are already obtained by the publication of Bromley 2013, thus, only those extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink are implemented here.
Determined from issued prescription records. The UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink contains anonymised, patient medical and prescribing records routinely collected within general practice.
Christensen (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Indications NOS)
2013
Denmark
1996 - 2006
population based cohort propective
The Danish Civil Registration System, the Medical Birth Register and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day of birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children whose mothers have been exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day of birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 386 / 647 Indications not specified. Overlapping: For ASD diagnosis/risk : data of Christensen 2019 included in Bjork 2022 because longer study period and 5 countries => use of Bjork 2022 data.
The Danish Prescription Register holds information on prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Christensen (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2015
Denmark
1997 - 2008
population based cohort propective
The Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish Medical Birth Registry and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children whose mothers have been exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 344 / 875 76% of all exposed mothers have epilepsy.
The Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics holds information on all redeemed prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Christensen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS) (Indications NOS)
2013
Denmark
1996 - 2006
population based cohort propective
The Danish Civil Registration System, the Medical Birth Register and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day of birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Children whose mothers haven't been exposed to carbamazepine during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day of birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 386 / 655153 Indications not specified. Overlapping: For ASD diagnosis/risk : data of Christensen 2019 included in Bjork 2022 because longer study period and 5 countries => use of Bjork 2022 data.
The Danish Prescription Register holds information on prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Christensen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS) (Mixed indications)
2015
Denmark
1997 - 2008
population based cohort propective
The Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish Medical Birth Registry and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Children whose mothers haven't been exposed to antiepileptic drugs.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 344 / 674115 76% of all exposed mothers have epilepsy.
The Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics holds information on all redeemed prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Christensen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) (Mixed indications)
2015
Denmark
1997 - 2008
population based cohort propective
The Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish Medical Birth Registry and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children whose epileptic mothers haven't been exposed to antiepileptic drugs.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 344 / 5261 76% of all exposed mothers have epilepsy.
The Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics holds information on all redeemed prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Cohen (Carbamazepine)
2011
UK and USA
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
25 epilepsy centers in the USA and UK. Infants of women exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of women exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 61 / 76 A nonexposed control group was not included. Total number of children exposed to each antiepileptic drugs is not specified, so the number of mothers is reported instead.
They obtained information from the patients, their seizure or medication diary, or review of their medical records.
Cohen (Carbamazepine)
2013
USA and UK
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
25 epilepsy centers in the USA and UK. Infants of women exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of women exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 53 / 61 A nonexposed control group was not included.
They obtained information from the patients, their seizure or medication diary, or review of their medical records.
Cohen (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2019
USA
2000 - 2010
retrospective cohort (claims database)
Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) Pregnancies in women with at least one dispensed prescription for carbamazepine monotherapy (no other mood stabilizers or other anticonvulsants) in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnancies in women with at least one dispensed prescription for lamotrigine monotherapy (no other mood stabilizers or other anticonvulsants) in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
early pregnancy 1232 / 2682 Authors excluded deliveries with a major congenital malformation (identified by ICD-9).
The Medicaid Analytic Extract data include prescriptions filled on an outpatient basis.
Cohen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS) (Mixed indications)
2019
USA
2000 - 2010
retrospective cohort (claims database)
Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) Pregnancies in women with at least one dispensed prescription for carbamazepine monotherapy (no other mood stabilizers or other anticonvulsants) in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Pregnancies in patients with no dispensing of lithium or any anticonvulsant (including those not used as mood stabilizers) from 3 months before pregnancy until 20 weeks of gestation.
early pregnancy 1232 / 1440631 Authors excluded deliveries with a major congenital malformation (identified by ICD-9).
The Medicaid Analytic Extract data include prescriptions filled on an outpatient basis.
Cohen (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications) (Controls exposed to LTG)
2023
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden
1996 - 2020
population based cohort retrospective
Health national registers from the 5 Nordic countries. Pregnancies in which the mother had filled one or more prescriptions of carbamazepine ([ATC] code N03AF01) monotherapy during the first trimester. exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnancies in which the mother had filled one or more prescriptions of lamotrigine monotherapy during the first trimester.
1st trimester 2674 / 8339 Main carbamazepine indications: 89% epilepsy; 8% unknown. Overlapping: Cohen 2023 included totally Christensen 2021 (excluded); and for Kallen 2013 and Veiby 2014 => less of 50% of overlapping => the 2 studies were kept.
Data on filled prescriptions were obtained from the medical birth registers linked with registers for prescribed drugs.
Cohen (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications) (Controls unexposed, NOS)
2023
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden
1996 - 2020
population based cohort retrospective
Health national registers from the 5 Nordic countries. Pregnancies in which the mother had filled one or more prescriptions of carbamazepine ([ATC] code N03AF01) monotherapy during the first trimester. unexposed (general population or NOS)
Pregnancies in which the mother had not filled a prescription for any Antiseizure medication (ATC code N03A) from 90 days before LMP to the end of the first trimester.
1st trimester 2674 / 4866362 Main carbamazepine indications: 89% epilepsy; 8% unknown. Overlapping: Cohen 2023 included totally Christensen 2021 (excluded); and for Kallen 2013 and Veiby 2014 => less of 50% of overlapping => the 2 studies were kept.
Data on filled prescriptions were obtained from the medical birth registers linked with registers for prescribed drugs.
Coste (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2020
France
2011 - 2014
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The French national health data system (SNDS) Children born from mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy indicated for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder with at least one dispensing between the beginning of the month preceding onset of pregnancy and its end. (Subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born from mothers exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy for mixed indications during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 502 / 2916 Children with a diagnosis of brain malformation (ICD-10 codes Q00 to Q04 and Q05.0 to Q05.4) during their stay in the maternity unit are excluded. Results are extracted from Blotière et al. 2020 because they reported aOR for vs LTG.
Defned by at least one dispensing of the drug to the mother between the beginning of the month preceding onset of pregnancy and the end of pregnancy. Mother had used this drug as monotherapy, defined by the use of a single drug during pregnancy.
Coste (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, NOS) (Mixed indications)
2020
France
2011 - 2014
retrospective cohort (claims database)
The French national health data system (SNDS) Children born from mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy indicated for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder with at least one dispensing between the beginning of the month preceding onset of pregnancy and its end. (Subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Children born from mothers not exposed to either antiepileptic drug or any drugs for bipolar disorder during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 468 / 1707707 Children with a diagnosis of brain malformation (ICD-10 codes Q00 to Q04 and Q05.0 to Q05.4) during their stay in the maternity unit are excluded.
Defned by at least one dispensing of the drug to the mother between the beginning of the month preceding onset of pregnancy and the end of pregnancy. Mother had used this drug as monotherapy, defined by the use of a single drug during pregnancy.
Cummings (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2011
Northern Ireland
2002 - 2005
retrospective cohort (registry)
The UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register and the Child Health System database. Children born to epileptic mothers taking carbamazepine as monotherapy throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born to epileptic mothers taking lamotrigine as monotherapy throughout pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 49 / 35 Women who were taking any other prescribed medication other than folic acid or iron supplements are excluded. The method for exposition measure isn't recalled here but it's always the same for this register.
Information was collected at registration and changes of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy were detected during the follow-up duration by sending a standardised questionnaire to the patient's general practitioner.
Cummings (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2011
Northern Ireland
2002 - 2005
retrospective cohort (registry)
The UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register and the Child Health System database. Children born to epileptic mothers taking carbamazepine as monotherapy throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children born to healthy women not taking prescribed medication other than folic acid or iron supplements during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 49 / 44 Women who were taking any other prescribed medication other than folic acid or iron supplements are excluded. The method for exposition measure isn't recalled here but it's always the same for this register.
Information was collected at registration and changes of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy were detected during the follow-up duration by sending a standardised questionnaire to the patient's general practitioner.
D'Souza (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
1991
UK
1980 - 1982
prospective cohort
Antenatal clinic of St Mary's Hospital. Infants born to epileptic mothers treated with carbamazepine alone throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Infants born to mothers without epilepsy not taking any drugs regularly.
throughout pregnancy 3 / 62
Every two weeks, clinical assessment of seizure control, and adjustment of anticonvulsant dosage in accordance with serum drug concentration or clinical response.
D'Souza (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
1991
UK
1980 - 1982
prospective cohort
Antenatal clinic of St Mary's Hospital. Infants born to epileptic mothers treated with carbamazepine alone throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants whose mothers had a history of epilepsy but received no drugs during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 3 / 8
Every two weeks, clinical assessment of seizure control, and adjustment of anticonvulsant dosage in accordance with serum drug concentration or clinical response.
Dean (Carbamazepine)
2002
Scotland
1976 - 2000
retrospective cohort
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, the antenatal clinic and postnatal wards. Children whose mothers took carbamazepine monotherapy in pregnancy and continued beyond the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Sibs of exposed cases not exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero. Either the mothers had epilepsy or the child was born before epilepsy developed.
at least 1st trimester 70 / 38 The data for major congenital malformations include all pregnancies surviving into the second trimester. The vast majority of the mothers were treated for epilepsy. Developmental delay is already assessed in Dean et al. 2007.
A structured interview was carried out by a trained research nurse using questionnaires.
Dean (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2007
Scotland
1976 - 2002
retrospective cohort
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. Children whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children whose epileptic mothers were exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 77 / 4 A previous publication (Dean 2002) gives a better review of the major malformations.
A trained research nurse undertook interviews recording antiepileptic drugs use in each pregnancy. Maternal antiepileptic drugs dose was verified from case records where possible.
Dean (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2007
Scotland
1976 - 2002
retrospective cohort
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. Children whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children whose epileptic mothers were not exposed during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 77 / 46 A previous publication (Dean 2002) gives a better review of the major malformations.
A trained research nurse undertook interviews recording antiepileptic drugs use in each pregnancy. Maternal antiepileptic drugs dose was verified from case records where possible.
Deshmukh (Carbamazepine)
2016
North America and Canada
1997 - 2010
prospective cohort
The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Register. Children of women who used carbamazepine as monotherapy throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children of women who used lamotrigine as monotherapy throughout pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 97 / 104 Study design completed with cited source [28]. Major malformation rate of this sample is already assessed in Hernández-Díaz 2012.
Women were questioned with a computer-assisted telephone interview 3 times.
Diav-Citrin (Carbamazepine)
2001
Israel
1989 - 1999
prospective cohort
The Israeli Teratogen Information Service Pregnant women with at least first trimester exposure to carbamazepine for an epileptic indication in monotherapy. unexposed (general population or NOS)
Callers women who had been counselled (over a similar timeframe) during pregnancy in regard to exposures known to be nonteratogenic or foetotoxic.
at least 1st trimester 108 / 210
Details of exposure were collected during pregnancy at the initial contact before pregnancy outcome was known, using a structured questionnaire.
Díaz-Romero (Carbamazepine)
1999
Mexico
1993 - 1996
cohort
The Epilepsy Clinic of the National Institute of Perinatology. Full-term eutrophic newborns of epileptic mothers exposed to only carbamazepine during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Offspring of epileptic women without seizures during pregnancy and without exposure to any drug.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 26 / 8 All newborns in the intensive care unit, and those with congenital malformations with a different specific recognizable etiology were excluded.
Not specified
Dreier (Carbamazepine)
2021
Danemark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
1996 (depends)-2017
population based cohort retrospective
Social register data from Danemark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden for SCAN-AED: Nordic register-based study of antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy. Offspring of women with prescription for carbamazepine monotherapy from 90 days before pregnancy to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Offspring of women with epilepsy not using antiseizure medication in pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 2650 / -9 Unknown number in the exposed and unexposed group (abstract).
Reimbursement codes for prescriptions.
Dreier (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls exposed to LTG)
2023
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
1996 - 2017
population based cohort propective
A prospective, population-based register study within the SCAN-AED project, based on children born in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Children prenatally exposed to Carbamazepine monotherapy, i.e whose mother had redeemed 1 or more prescriptions during the exposure window, which was defined as 30 days before the first day of the last menstrual period (estimated using gestational age in days at birth) until the date of birth. exposed to other treatment, sick
Children prenatally exposed to Lamotrigine monotherapy, i.e whose mother had redeemed 1 or more prescriptions during the exposure window, which was defined as 30 days before the first day of the last menstrual period (estimated using gestational age in days at birth) until the date of birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 2665 / 5288 Overlapping: Dreier 2023 and Bjork 2022 for ASD (2 outcomes) and Intellectual disabilities (2 outcomes), with more pregnancies in Bjork 2022 because all indications included => use of Bjork 2022 data. Christensen 2019 totally included in Dreier 2023.
Information on use of antiseizure medications was based on the national prescription registers, which contain information on all reimbursed prescription medications dispensed at pharmacies in each country, including date of dispensing and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification code.
Dreier (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2023
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
1996 - 2017
population based cohort propective
A prospective, population-based register study within the SCAN-AED project, based on children born in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Children prenatally exposed to Carbamazepine monotherapy, i.e whose mother had redeemed 1 or more prescriptions during the exposure window, which was defined as 30 days before the first day of the last menstrual period (estimated using gestational age in days at birth) until the date of birth. unexposed, sick
Children not prenatally exposed to antiseizure medication.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 2665 / 22203 Overlapping: Dreier 2023 and Bjork 2022 for ASD (2 outcomes) and Intellectual disabilities (2 outcomes), with more pregnancies in Bjork 2022 because all indications included => use of Bjork 2022 data. Christensen 2019 totally included in Dreier 2023.
Information on use of antiseizure medications was based on the national prescription registers, which contain information on all reimbursed prescription medications dispensed at pharmacies in each country, including date of dispensing and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification code.
Endo (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2004
Japan
1991 - 2000
retrospective cohort
Yokohama City University Hospital. Newborns of epileptic mothers who take carbamazepine monotherapy for epilepsy throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Newborns of nonepileptic mothers.
throughout pregnancy 8 / 656 30 (83.3%) cases of 36 pregnancies continued taking drugs throughout pregnancy. Three (8.3%) patients discontinued after week 13 of pregnancy. Some results do not coincide between table 1 and table 2 and are therefore not reported.
Medical records.
Endo (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2004
Japan
1991 - 2000
retrospective cohort
Yokohama City University Hospital. Newborns of epileptic mothers who take carbamazepine monotherapy for epilepsy throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Newborns of epileptic mothers who had not taken any antiepileptic drugs.
throughout pregnancy 8 / 1 30 (83.3%) cases of 36 pregnancies continued taking drugs throughout pregnancy. Three (8.3%) patients discontinued after week 13 of pregnancy. Some results do not coincide between table 1 and table 2 and are therefore not reported.
Medical records.
Eriksson (Carbamazepine)
2005
Finland
1989 - 2000
prospective cohort
Community-based pregnancy registry at the Kuopio University Hospital. Pregnancies in which the mother had used carbamazepine during conception and throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnancies in which the mother reported having previous history of epilepsy but had not needed antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 13 / 13 The period of exposure is specified in Viinikainen 2006. The cognitive delay of this sample at the same age is already assessed in Viinikainen 2006, thus, not reported here.
The medical records of the children and their mothers were reviewed separately by two of the other authors.
Forsberg (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS)
2011
Sweden
1973 - 1986
retrospective cohort (registry)
Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Patient Register (formerly Hospital Discharge Register), a local study at South Hospital, Stockholm and The Swedish School Mark Registry. Children identified with maternal epilepsy who had been exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
All other children born in Sweden between the study period.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 243 / 1307083 These analyses were made after exclusion of children with a diagnosis of a congenital malformation.
The Medical Birth Register is built from data in standardized medical records. To identify the use of anticonvulsants, the original medical documents were retrieved and scrutinized and the information was added to the records of deliveries from women with epilepsy.
Forsberg (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2011
Sweden
1973 - 1986
retrospective cohort (registry)
Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Patient Register (formerly Hospital Discharge Register), a local study at South Hospital, Stockholm and The Swedish School Mark Registry. Children identified with maternal epilepsy who had been exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children identified with maternal epilepsy but no use of antiepileptic drug.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 243 / -9 These analyses were made after exclusion of children with a diagnosis of a congenital malformation. Number of children identified with maternal epilepsy but no use of antiepileptic drug not specified.
The Medical Birth Register is built from data in standardized medical records. To identify the use of anticonvulsants, the original medical documents were retrieved and scrutinized and the information was added to the records of deliveries from women with epilepsy.
Gaily (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2004
Finland
1989 - 1994
prospective cohort
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCS) Children of mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the second half of the pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
The next child born at the same hospital to a nonepileptic mother and unexposed to antiepileptic drugs.
2nd and/or 3rd trimester 86 / 141
Data have been collected prospectively and entered to a database maintained by one of the authors.
Gaily (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2004
Finland
1989 - 1994
prospective cohort
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCS), Finland. Children of mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the second half of the pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children of mothers with epilepsy with no drug exposure.
2nd and/or 3rd trimester 86 / 45
Data have been collected prospectively and entered to a database maintained by one of the authors.
Hernández-Díaz (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2012
North America and Canada
1997 - 2011
prospective cohort
The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Register and the Active Malformations Surveillance Program. Infants of pregnant women who used carbamazepine for epileptic indication as monotherapy, during the first 4 lunar months after the last menstrual period (equal 16 weeks of gestation). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of pregnant women who used lamotrigine for mixed indications as monotherapy, during the first 4 lunar months after the last menstrual period (equal 16 weeks of gestation).
1st trimester 1033 / 1562 Total congenital malformations results are completely overlapped by the update on the registry website. Less than 90% of women are taking Lamotrigine for epilepsy.
Women were questioned with a computer-assisted telephone interview 3 times.
Hernández-Díaz (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2012
North America and Canada
1997 - 2011
prospective cohort
The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Register and the Active Malformations Surveillance Program. Infants of pregnant women who used carbamazepine for epileptic indication as monotherapy, during the first 4 lunar months after the last menstrual period (equal 16 weeks of gestation). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Infants of pregnant women, not taking an antiepileptic drug and without epilepsy, who were recruited from among the friends and family members of the enrolled women taking an antiepileptic drug.
1st trimester 1033 / 442 Total congenital malformations results are completely overlapped by the update on the registry website.
Women were questioned with a computer-assisted telephone interview 3 times.
Holmes (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2011
North America and Canada
1997 - 2011
prospective cohort
The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Register and the Active Malformations Surveillance Program. Infants of pregnant women who used carbamazepine as monotherapy, during the first 4 lunar months after the last menstrual period (equal 16 weeks of gestation). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of pregnant women who used lamotrigine as monotherapy, during the first 4 lunar months after the last menstrual period (equal 16 weeks of gestation).
1st trimester 674 / 1118 Less than 90% of women are taking Lamotrigine for epilepsy. Major malformations results are already assessed in Hernández-Díaz 2012 with more exposed pregnancies.
Women were questioned with a computer-assisted telephone interview 3 times.
Holmes (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2001
United States
1986 - 1993
retrospective cohort
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, St. Margaret’s Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and Newton–Wellesley Hospital. Infants exposed in utero to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Infants unexposed in utero to any antiepileptic drugs born to women with no history of seizure and closest in time from the corresponding exposed children.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 58 / 508 9% are exposed for other indications (not specified per type of AED).
Women are interviewed and completed questionnaires administered by a research assistant.
Holmes (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2011
North America and Canada
1997 - 2011
prospective cohort
The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Register and the Active Malformations Surveillance Program. Infants of pregnant women who used carbamazepine as monotherapy, during the first 4 lunar months after the last menstrual period (equal 16 weeks of gestation). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Infant of pregnant women not taking an antiepileptic drugs and without epilepsy who had been recruited among the friends and relatives of antiepileptic drugs-exposed participants.
1st trimester 674 / 209 Major malformations results are already assessed in Hernández-Díaz 2012 with more exposed pregnancies.
Women were questioned with a computer-assisted telephone interview 3 times.
Holmes (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2001
United States
1986 - 1993
retrospective cohort
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, St. Margaret’s Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and Newton–Wellesley Hospital. Infants exposed in utero to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants unexposed in utero to any antiepileptic drugs born to women with a history of seizure.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 58 / 98 9% are exposed for other indications (no specified per type of AED).
Women are interviewed and completed questionnaires administered by a research assistant.
Hosny (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2021
Egypt
2018 - 2020
prospective cohort
Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt Pregnant women with epilepsy on carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy on lamotrigine monotherapy during the first trimester.
1st trimester 31 / 1 Each woman had one pregnancy during the study period. The correct figures were sent by the authors.
The following data were evaluated: seizure control 6 months before pregnancy, seizure control during each trimester, type and dose of ASMs at conception.
Hosny (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2021
Egypt
2018 - 2020
prospective cohort
Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt Pregnant women with epilepsy on carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy with no treatment during the first trimester.
1st trimester 31 / 21 Each woman had one pregnancy during the study period. The correct figures were sent by the authors.
The following data were evaluated: seizure control 6 months before pregnancy, seizure control during each trimester, type and dose of ASMs at conception.
Huber-Mollema (Carbamazepine)
2019
The Netherlands
2015 - 2018
prospective cohort
The Dutch European Registry of Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP) Children age between 6 years and 7 years 11 months of mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy starting before conception and continuing during the entire pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children age between 6 years and 7 years 11 months of mothers with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy starting before conception and continuing during the entire pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 37 / 88 The method for measuring exposure is not specified, although the EURAP registry method was thought to be used.
The data concerning treatment at the time of conception are obtained by the physicians responsible for the women’s care and transferred online.
Husebye (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2020
Norway
1999 - 2008
population based cohort propective
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children of mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children of mothers with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 72 / 112
Information on the anti-epileptic (AED) use was obtained from the maternal questionnaires completed during gesta week 17–19 and week 30 and from Medical Birth Registry data. AEDs plasma concentrations were analysed in maternal and umbilical cord samples (73%) and were detected in 93% of children.
Husebye (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2020
Norway
1999 - 2008
population based cohort propective
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children of mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children of mothers without epilepsy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 72 / 113674
Information on the anti-epileptic (AED) use was obtained from the maternal questionnaires completed during gesta week 17–19 and week 30 and from Medical Birth Registry data. AEDs plasma concentrations were analysed in maternal and umbilical cord samples (73%) and were detected in 93% of children.
Husebye (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2020
Norway
1999 - 2008
population based cohort propective
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children of mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children of mothers with epilepsy unexposed to antiepileptic durgs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 72 / 388 For this comparison group, results are only available according to folic acid intake.
Information on the anti-epileptic (AED) use was obtained from the maternal questionnaires completed during gesta week 17–19 and week 30 and from Medical Birth Registry data. AEDs plasma concentrations were analysed in maternal and umbilical cord samples (73%) and were detected in 93% of children.
Hvas (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2000
Denmark
1989 - 1997
retrospective cohort
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aarhus University Hospital. Children of women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children of women without chronic disease.
1st trimester 37 / 24094
Women completed a questionnaire. They were categorised as users or nonusers of anticonvulsant drugs, by self-reported daily intake of any anticonvulsant drug during the first trimester.
Hvas (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2000
Denmark
1989 - 1997
retrospective cohort
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aarhus University Hospital. Children of women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children of women with epilepsy without treatment.
1st trimester 37 / 106
Women completed a questionnaire. They were categorised as users or nonusers of anticonvulsant drugs, by self-reported daily intake of any anticonvulsant drug during the first trimester.
Kaaja (Carbamazepine)
2003
Finland
1980 - 1998
prospective cohort
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from Helsinki University Central Hospital Infants whose epileptic mothers took carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants whose epileptic mothers didn't take any antiepileptic drugs during the first trimester.
1st trimester 363 / 239
Follow-up of the pregnant women with epilepsy included assessment of serum concentration of antiepileptic drugs at the end of the first trimester.
Källén (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Indications NOS)
2013
Swedish
1996 - 2011
population based cohort retrospective
The Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Swedish Register of Prescribed Drugs the Register of Birth Defect and Hospital Discharge Register. Infants whose mothers used carbamazepine in monotherapy in early pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants whose mothers used lamotrigine in monotherapy in early pregnancy.
early pregnancy 1511 / 1084 Overlapping: Cohen 2023 and Kallen 2013: less of 50% of overlapping => the 2 studies were kept. Razaz 2017; Wide 2004; Bodén 2012 outcomes' already included in Källèn 2013 or without adequate control group. Follow-up period: author's email reply.
At the midwife interview at the first antenatal care visit, the woman was asked if she had used any drugs since she became pregnant. Or determined by the use of the Swedish Register of Prescribed Drugs (since 2006).
Källén (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, NOS) (Indications NOS)
2013
Sweden
1996 - 2011
population based cohort retrospective
The Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Swedish Register of Prescribed Drugs, the Register of Birth Defect and Hospital Discharge Register. Infants whose mothers used carbamazepine in monotherapy in early pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Infants in population whose mothers used at least one of a central nervous system active drugs (less than 3%) or weren't exposed in early pregnancy.
early pregnancy 1511 / 1575847 Overlapping: Cohen 2023 and Kallen 2013: less of 50% of overlapping => the 2 studies were kept. Razaz 2017; Wide 2004; Bodén 2012 outcomes' already included in Källèn 2013 or without adequate control group. Follow-up period: author's email reply.
At the midwife interview at the first antenatal care visit, the woman was asked if she had used any drugs since she became pregnant. Or determined by the use of the Swedish Register of Prescribed Drugs (since 2006).
Kaneko (Carbamazepine)
1999
Japan, Italy and Canada.
1978 - 1991
prospective cohort
Centers from Japan (Hirosaki, Fukushima, Nagoya, and Nagasaki), Italy (Milan), and Canada (Montreal). Offspring whose epileptic mothers were under carbamazepine monotherapy until term. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Offspring from epileptic mothers without antiepileptic drug exposure until term.
throughout pregnancy 158 / 98 Details about the design were completed thanks to Battino et al., 1999 publication. Kaneko 1999 overlapped with Kaneko 1986, 1988, 1992, Oguni 1992, Dansky 1982, Canger 1999 and Battino 1992.
Mothers were seen by an obstetrician and neurologist at least every 4 weeks throughout pregnancy, and blood samples were taken for the measurement of antiepileptic drugs concentrations.
Kasradze (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2017
Georgia
2001
prospective cohort
The Georgian National Antiepileptic drugs-Pregnancy Registry (the Georgian registry of EURAP). Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 16 / 3 Children with major congenital malformations were excluded from the study.
Antiepileptic drugs and total daily dosage before pregnancy/at 1st trimester/at 2nd trimester/at 3rd trimester were assessed retrospectively during the mother's structured interview.
Kasradze (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2017
Georgia
2001
prospective cohort
The Georgian National Antiepileptic drugs-Pregnancy Registry (the Georgian registry of EURAP). Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children born to mothers without epilepsy, with no antiepileptic drug or other drug treatment during pregnancy
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 16 / 50 Children with major congenital malformations were excluded from the study.
Antiepileptic drugs and total daily dosage before pregnancy/at 1st trimester/at 2nd trimester/at 3rd trimester were assessed retrospectively during the mother's structured interview.
Katz (Carbamazepine)
2001
USA
1990 - 2000
retrospective cohort
Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine. Newborn of women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Newborn of women with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 21 / 3 The analysis of developmental delay excluded the 20 pregnancies occurring within 1 year of chart review because of insufficient time to evaluate developmental milestones.
Telephone interviews were given to the patient as a supplement to the chart analysis. Spouses were interviewed only when additional information could not be provided by the patient.
Kilic (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2014
Denmark
1997 - 2008
population based cohort retrospective
The Danish Medical Birth Registry, the Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish National Hospital Registry, and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children whose mothers have been exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 347 / 880 Less than 90% of women are epileptic.
The Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics holds information on all redeemed prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Kilic (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS) (Mixed indications)
2014
Denmark
1997 - 2008
population based cohort retrospective
The Danish Medical Birth Registry, the Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish National Hospital Registry, and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Children whose mothers haven't been exposed to antiepileptic drugs 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day of birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 347 / 676834 Less than 90% of women are epileptic.
The Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics holds information on all redeemed prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Kilic (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) (Mixed indications)
2014
Denmark
1997 - 2008
population based cohort retrospective
The Danish Medical Birth Registry, the Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish National Hospital Registry, and the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children whose mothers have been exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during the exposure window defined from 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day prior to birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children whose mothers have an epilepsy diagnosis and haven't been exposed to antiepileptic drugs 30 days before the estimated day of conception to the day of birth.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 347 / 5296 Less than 90% of women are epileptic.
The Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics holds information on all redeemed prescriptions. Monotherapy exposure was defined as redemption of prescription for one type of AED with the Anatomical Therapeutic Codes.
Kini (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2006
UK
1989 - 1999
retrospective cohort
Epilepsy clinics in Manchester and Liverpool, and at a Central Manchester Maternity Hospital on behalf of the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopmental Study Group (LMNDG). Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy and with epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy and with epileptic mothers.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 94 / 9 Because we don't know the exact number of children exposed to lamotrigine and analyzed for malformations, this outcome cannot be reported here.
Structured interviews were conducted with the mothers and medical records were available to confirm details in about 80% of participants.
Kini (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2006
UK
1989 - 1999
retrospective cohort
Epilepsy clinics in Manchester and Liverpool, and at a Central Manchester Maternity Hospital on behalf of the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopmental Study Group (LMNDG). Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy and with epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children not exposed to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy and with epileptic mothers.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 94 / 101 A better review of the WISC score for children aged 6 and above are provided by Adab 2004 publication.
Structured interviews were conducted with the mothers and medical records were available to confirm details in about 80% of participants.
Li (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls exposed to LTG)
2023
China
2009 - 2022
prospective cohort
A prospective cohort study entitled 'Construction and Application of the Women with Epilepsy of Child-bearing Age Ontology (WWECA)', with West China Hospital of Sichuan University as the main center. Women with epilepsy (WWE) using Carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. exposed to other treatment, sick
Women with epilepsy (WWE) using Lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 31 / 38 Authors did not provide analysis after monotherapy exposure but raw data of major congenital malformation provided in the e-Supp allowed to extract data for monotherapy => only this outcome reported here. Overlapping: He 2017 totally included in Li 2023.
The use of antiseizure medications on the included patients was registered by doctors and trained researchers.
Li (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2023
China
2009 - 2022
prospective cohort
A prospective cohort study entitled 'Construction and Application of the Women with Epilepsy of Child-bearing Age Ontology (WWECA)', with West China Hospital of Sichuan University as the main center. Women with epilepsy (WWE) using Carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. unexposed, sick
Women with epilepsy (WWE) not using antiseizure medications during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 31 / 253 Authors did not provide analysis after monotherapy exposure but raw data of major congenital malformation provided in the e-Supp allowed to extract data for monotherapy => only this outcome reported here. Overlapping: He 2017 totally included in Li 2023.
The use of antiseizure medications on the included patients was registered by doctors and trained researchers.
Mari (Carbamazepine)
2022
Rome, Italy
2009 - 2019
retrospective cohort
The Epilepsy Center of Policlinico Tor Vergata and the Epilepsy Center of Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico Women with focal epilepsy (FE) or generalized epilepsy (GE) undergoing Anti-seizure medications monotherapy with carbamazepine. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Women with focal epilepsy (FE) or generalized epilepsy (GE) undergoing Anti-seizure medications monotherapy with lamotrigine.
throughout pregnancy 29 / 11 In 46 out of 57 pregnancies, ASMs therapy remained unchanged during gestation (only one switch from CBZ to LEV, others are dosage-related).
Collected data at Epilepsy centers.
Mawer (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2010
UK
2000 - 2006
prospective cohort
11 National Health Service (NHS) hospitals within Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy in utero.
1st trimester 74 / 40 Kini's 2007 malformation results are overlapped. 39% WWE also actively participated in a NEAD study in Meador 2006. Specific major malformations' numerators are extracted from the review by Weston et al. 2016. Period of exposure confirm by author's email.
The research nurse recorded personal and medical history with forms. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic medication. Information from the patient was supplemented from clinical records.
Mawer (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2010
UK
2000 - 2006
prospective cohort
11 National Health Service (NHS) hospitals within Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children born to mothers without epilepsy who attended the same clinic on the same day or a few days later.
1st trimester 74 / 315 Kini's 2007 malformation results are overlapped. Specific major malformations' numerators are extracted from the review by Weston et al. 2016 because not classified per types in the original publication. Period of exposure confirm by author's email.
The research nurse recorded personal and medical history with forms. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic medication. Information from the patient was supplemented from clinical records.
Mawer (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2010
UK
2000 - 2006
prospective cohort
11 National Health Service (NHS) hospitals within Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Children born to mothers with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to women with untreated epilepsy, who took no antiepileptic drugs before or during pregnancy.
1st trimester 74 / 46 Kini's 2007 malformation results are overlapped. Specific major malformations' numerators are extracted from the review by Weston et al. 2016 because not classified per types in the original publication. Period of exposure confirm by author's email.
The research nurse recorded personal and medical history with forms. An epilepsy specialist confirmed antiepileptic medication. Information from the patient was supplemented from clinical records.
McVearry (Carbamazepine)
2009
UK and USA
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
13 participating NEAD Study clinical centers. Preschool children whose mothers were exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy for a minimum period of 6 months. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Preschool children whose mothers were exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 16 / 17 In utero AED monotherapy exposure for a minimum period of six months.
Recorded during pregnancy using seizure journals, serious adverse event reports, and clinical evaluations reported by the investigator-neurologist managing the epilepsy of enrolled mother.
Meador (Carbamazepine)
2006
USA and UK
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
25 centers across UK and USA. Infants of women exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of women exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 110 / 98 Malformations secondary to known genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities are not considered within the major malformation group. 108 women with epilepsy are also used in Mawer 2010 so there is a 33% overlap for malformations.
They obtained information from the patients, their seizure or medication diary, or review of their medical records.
Meador (Carbamazepine)
2009
UK and USA
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
25 centers across UK and USA. Infants of women exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of women exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 92 / 99 Meador 2011 is completely overlapped with this study which gives a better review of the IQ at age 3 years old (more exposed pregnancies). The cognitive delay at 3 years old is already evaluated in Meador et al., 2013.
They obtained information from the patients, their seizure or medication diary, or review of their medical records.
Meador (Carbamazepine)
2011
UK and USA
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
25 epilepsy centers in the USA and UK. Infants of women exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of women exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 59 / 70 A non-exposed control group was not included.
They obtained information from the patients, their seizure or medication diary, or review of their medical records.
Meador (Carbamazepine)
2013
UK and USA.
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
25 centers in the USA and UK. Infants of epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of epileptic mothers exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 94 / 100 A nonexposed control group was not included. Meador 2020 and Cohen 2019 are re-examination or an assessment of subscales of data already assessed in this publication. Cognitif assessment in Meador 2009 and 2011 (x2) is better assessed in this publication.
They obtained information from the patients, their seizure or medication diary, or review of their medical records and assessed antiepileptic drug levels for 229 (75%) mothers.
Meador (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2020
US
2012 - 2016
prospective cohort
The Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (MONEAD) study (20 US tertiary epilepsy centers). Children born to pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children born to pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during the first trimester.
1st trimester 14 / 113
Data were obtained from participants and their medical records.
Meador (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2021
US
2012 - 2016
prospective cohort
The Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (MONEAD) study (20 US tertiary epilepsy centers). Children with epileptic mothers using carbamazepine monotherapy in the third trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children with epileptic mothers using lamotrigine monotherapy in the third trimester.
3rd trimester 12 / 93 Exclusion criteria included history of psychogenic nonepileptic spells, expected IQ of less than 70, other major medical illness, and switching of ASMs in pregnancy before enrollment.
Data were collected from participants using a daily electronic diary that was verified at study visits and with medical records.
Meador (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2020
US
2012 - 2016
prospective cohort
The Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (MONEAD) study (20 US tertiary epilepsy centers). Children born to pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children born to healthy pregnant women.
1st trimester 14 / 106
Data were obtained from participants and their medical records.
Meador (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2021
US
2012 - 2016
prospective cohort
The Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (MONEAD) study (20 US tertiary epilepsy centers). Children with epileptic mothers using carbamazepine monotherapy in the third trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children of healthy women.
3rd trimester 12 / 106 Exclusion criteria included history of psychogenic nonepileptic spells, expected IQ of less than 70, other major medical illness, and switching of ASMs in pregnancy before enrollment.
Data were collected from participants using a daily electronic diary that was verified at study visits and with medical records.
Meador (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2020
US
2012 - 2016
prospective cohort
The Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs (MONEAD) study (20 US tertiary epilepsy centers). Children born to pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to pregnant women with epilepsy with no antiepileptic drug use.
1st trimester 14 / 15
Data were obtained from participants and their medical records.
Miškov (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2016
Croatia
2003 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb Pregnancies in women with epilepsy on carbamazepine monotherapy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnancies in women with epilepsy on lamotrigine monotherapy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 13 / 37 Includes all Miskov's 2010 outcomes.
Data collected on pregnant women during outpatient visits to the neurologist, gynecologist and pediatrician neurologist.
Miškov (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2016
Croatia
2003 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb Pregnancies in women with epilepsy on carbamazepine monotherapy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Pregnancies in healthy controls.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 13 / 147 Includes all Miskov's 2010 outcomes.
Data collected on pregnant women during outpatient visits to the neurologist, gynecologist and pediatrician neurologist.
Miškov (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2016
Croatia
2003 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb Pregnancies in women with epilepsy on carbamazepine monotherapy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnancies in women with epilepsy without antiepileptic drugs.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 13 / 4 Includes all Miskov's 2010 outcomes.
Data collected on pregnant women during outpatient visits to the neurologist, gynecologist and pediatrician neurologist.
Nadebaum (Carbamazepine)
2011
Australia
2007 - 2009
prospective cohort
The Australian Pregnancy Register for Women with Epilepsy and Allied Disorders (APR). Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy in utero from epileptic mother. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy in utero from epileptic mother.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 34 / 9 Children with major birth defects or a diagnosis of epilepsy were ineligible for the study to avoid possible confounding effects of these known risk factors for intellectual impairment.
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. Details provided by the participants are confirmed, as far as possible, by the treating medical practitioners.
Nulman (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, NOS) (Mixed indications)
1997
Canada
1987 - 1992
prospective cohort
The Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children, the North York General Hospital, the Toronto Hospital and the Genetic Services at Oshawa General Hospital. Mother-child pairs exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy at least during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Child from the next woman attending the Motherisk Clinic whose reason for attendance was counseling after gestational exposure to nonteratogens.
at least 1st trimester 36 / 36 Less than 90% of women are taking Carbamazepine for epilepsy. Gladstone 1992 malformations result's are partly included in this study due to overlapping of the study period with the same register.
At the first visit during the first trimester of pregnancy was recorded time and dose of the antiepileptic drugs before and during pregnancy.
Nulman (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) (Mixed indications)
1997
Canada
1987 - 1992
prospective cohort
The Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children, the North York General Hospital, the Toronto Hospital and the Genetic Services at Oshawa General Hospital. Mother-child pairs exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy at least during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Child from epileptic women who did not receive drug therapy during the index pregnancy.
at least 1st trimester 36 / 9 Less than 90% of women are taking Carbamazepine for epilepsy. Gladstone 1992 malformations result's are partly included in this study due to overlapping of the study period with the same register.
At the first visit during the first trimester of pregnancy was recorded time and dose of the antiepileptic drugs before and during pregnancy.
Ornoy (Carbamazepine)
1996
Israel
1988 - 1994
prospective cohort
The Israeli Teratogen Information Service Children whose epileptic mothers used carbamazepine as their sole anticonvulsant throughout pregnancy. unexposed (general population or NOS)
Children whose mothers were unexposed to carbamazepine.
throughout pregnancy 47 / 47 Ornoy 1996 major malformations results are already included in Diav-Citrin 2001 with more exposed pregnancies. Children were excluded from analysis because of prematurity (born before 32 weeks of gestation).
Each woman was interviewed during pregnancy.
Pekoz (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls exposed to LTG)
2023
Turkey
2014 - 2019
prospective cohort
A Nationwide multicenter study, based on the neurology outpatient clinics of 21 centers in Turkey. Pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE) receiving Carbamazepine as monotherapy. exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE) receiving Lamotrigine as monotherapy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 141 / 141
The patients were examined by a neurologist every 2 months during pregnancy, and the use of Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) was assessed.
Pekoz (Carbamazepine) (Epilepsy) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2023
Turkey
2014 - 2019
prospective cohort
A Nationwide multicenter study, based on the neurology outpatient clinics of 21 centers in Turkey. Pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE) receiving Carbamazepine as monotherapy. unexposed, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE), antiseizure medication free.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 141 / 43
The patients were examined by a neurologist every 2 months during pregnancy, and the use of Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) was assessed.
Pennell (Carbamazepine)
2012
USA and UK
1999 - 2004
prospective cohort
25 centers in the United States and United Kingdom Infants of women exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of women exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 93 / 98
They obtained information from the patients, their seizure or medication diary, or review of their medical records.
Ren (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications)
2023
Denmark
1997 - 2002
population based cohort propective
The Danish Civil Registration System, the Danish Medical Birth Registry, the Danish Agency for Information Technology and Learning, the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics. Children exposed in utero to carbamazepine monotherapy, prescribed and redeemed within the exposure window defined from 30 days before the first day of the last menstrual period to 1 day before birth. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Children unexposed in utero to any antiepileptic drugs within the exposure time window during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 290 / 370569 Overlapping: this publication totally included the data of Elkjaer, 2018, for an higher academic grade => use of Ren 2023. Mixed indication (226/290 epilepsy (78%)).
Information on medical exposure was retrieved from the Danish Register of Medicinal Product Statistics.
Richards (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Indications NOS)
2019
New Zealand
2008 - 2012
population based cohort retrospective
The Pharmaceutical Collection, the National Minimum Dataset (NMDS; hospital events), and the Before School Check (B4SC) database. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy (the exposure window was defined as nine months before the day of birth). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy (the exposure window was defined as nine months before the day of birth).
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 201 / 149 The National Minimum Dataset does not provide reliable diagnosis information. Indications not specified.
Obtained from the Pharmaceutical Collection database. Any redeemed prescription of an antiepileptic drug belonging to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical class N03A. Monotherapy is defined as if only one type of AED was prescribed during the exposure window.
Richards (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, NOS) (Indications NOS)
2019
New Zealand
2008 - 2012
population based cohort retrospective
The Pharmaceutical Collection, the National Minimum Dataset (NMDS; hospital events), and the Before School Check (B4SC) database. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy (the exposure window was defined as nine months before the day of birth). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
All other children unexposed to antiepileptic drug in utero who had a Before School Check (B4SC) in the study period.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 201 / 286966 The National Minimum Dataset does not provide reliable diagnosis information. Indications not specified.
Obtained from the Pharmaceutical Collection database. Any redeemed prescription of an antiepileptic drug belonging to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical class N03A. Monotherapy is defined as if only one type of AED was prescribed during the exposure window.
Robert (Carbamazepine)
1986
France
1976 - 1983
retrospective cohort
Hospital of neurology and neurosurgery Pierre Wertheimer and three maternity wards in Lyon Infants born from epileptic mothers exposed during the first trimester to carbamazepine in monotherapy. unexposed, sick
Infants born from epileptic mothers unexposed during the first trimester to any antiepileptic drugs.
1st trimester 3 / 35
Questionnaires were sent to women identified in hospital records and the second collection of data was obtained from 3 maternity with computerized records.
Samrén (Carbamazepine)
1999
Netherlands
1972 - 1994
retrospective cohort
28 hospitals in four provinces of the Netherlands and National Perinatal Data Base LVR. Children born to mothers with epilepsy and using carbamazepine monotherapy at least during the first trimester of pregnancy unexposed, disease free
Children born to nonepileptic nonexposed women.
at least 1st trimester 376 / 2000
Data were collected from medical records and include medication. The prescribed dose of thedrugs was also retrieved from obstetric files.
Sonneveld (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed NOS)
1990
Tasmania
1981- 1988
prospective cohort
The Tasmanian Obstetric and Perinatal audit Epileptic pregnancies exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Total number of deliveries during the study period.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 74 / 56557 The total population of this study serves as a control group, thus it includes the exposed group but accounting only for 0.6% of the sample. In the result authors used 55953 for the total number of deliveries when all perinatal deaths are excluded.
Since 1981, drugs ingested during pregnancy have been included in the information collected.
Sonneveld (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
1990
Tasmania
1981- 1988
prospective cohort
The Tasmanian Obstetric and Perinatal audit Epileptic pregnancies exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Epileptic pregnancies who used no anticonvulsant drug therapy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 74 / 87
Since 1981, drugs ingested during pregnancy have been included in the information collected.
Steegers-Theunissen (Carbamazepine)
1994
Netherlands
Not specified
prospective cohort
Five centres in the Netherlands: two university hospitals (of Amsterdam and of Nijmegen), and three general hospitals (Maria and Elisabeth hospital, Tilburg and Catharina hospital, Eindhoven). Singleton of epileptic women exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Singleton of healthy women unexposed during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 39 / 106 Women could only participate if they or any first-degree relative had no genetic disorder known to cause major congenital malformations, and if they were not under treatment for infectious, metabolic, endocrine or malignant diseases.
The use of antiepileptic drugs was checked in each woman by measurement of the blood concentration. Data such as antiepileptic drug treatment were collected. The consulting doctors were finally contacted to obtain additional information on treatment regimen.
The NAAED (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Indications NOS)
2022
North America and Canada
1997 - 2020
prospective cohort
The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Register Infants of pregnant women who used carbamazepine as monotherapy, during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Infants of pregnant women who used lamotrigine as monotherapy, during the first trimester.
1st trimester 1122 / 2333 Study design completed with the publication of Hernández-Díaz et al. 2012. Data extracted from the North American AED pregnancy registry website. Indications not specified.
Women were questioned with a computer-assisted telephone interview 3 times.
The NAAED (Controls unexposed, disease free) (Indications NOS)
2022
North America and Canada
1997 - 2020
prospective cohort
The North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Register Infants of pregnant women who used carbamazepine as monotherapy, during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Infants of pregnant women, not taking an antiepileptic drug and without epilepsy, who were recruited from among the friends and family members of the enrolled women taking an antiepileptic drug.
1st trimester 1122 / 1201 Study design completed with the publication of Hernández-Díaz et al. 2012. Data extracted from the North American AED pregnancy registry website. Internal control group reported rather than the external (for relevance purpose). Indications not specified.
Women were questioned with a computer-assisted telephone interview 3 times.
Thomas (Carbamazepine)
2022
India
1998 - 2006
prospective cohort
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (KREPS), India. Children of women with epilepsy (CWWE) exposed to Carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. unexposed, sick
Children of women with epilepsy (CWWE) not exposed to antiseizure medications during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 38 / 11 Overlapping: Thomas 2022 included data on language and cognitive delay, also evaluated in Sreedharan et al., 2018; Thomas 2007 and Gopinath 2015, but with more exposed pregnancies, more relevant control group and older children => Use of Thomas 2022.
The details of Antiseizure medications exposure were extracted from the clinical records in the registry.
Thomas (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2021
India
1998 - 2019
prospective cohort
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (KREP) Children of women with epilepsy using carbamazepine monotherapy any time during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children of women with epilepsy using lamotrigine monotherapy any time during the first trimester of pregnancy.
1st trimester 490 / 50 Study design completed with Thomas et al., 2017. Keni's 2018 malformations results are already reported in this publication.
Women were instructed to record the use of the antiepileptic drugs on a daily basis in the pregnancy diary that was given to them.
Thomas (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2021
India
1998 - 2015
prospective cohort
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (KREP) Children of women with epilepsy using carbamazepine monotherapy any time during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children of women without epilepsy in the first trimester of pregnancy and not using antiepileptic drugs from the antenatal clinic of government hospital.
1st trimester 389 / 319 This external control group is only available in the 2017 publication.
Women were instructed to record the use of the antiepileptic drugs on a daily basis in the pregnancy diary that was given to them.
Thomas (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2021
India
1998 - 2019
prospective cohort
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (KREP) Children of women with epilepsy using carbamazepine monotherapy any time during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children of women with epilepsy not using any antiepileptic drugs during the first trimester.
1st trimester 490 / 340 Study design completed with Thomas et al., 2017. Thomas et al., 2008 completely overlapped with this publication.
Women were instructed to record the use of the antiepileptic drugs on a daily basis in the pregnancy diary that was given to them.
Thomas b (Carbamazepine)
2008
India
1998 - 2004
prospective cohort
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy Infants whose epileptic mothers were on carbamazepine monotherapy anytime during the pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Infants not prenatally exposed to antiepileptic drugs anytime during the pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 101 / 32 The Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) is an adaptation of the Bayley Scale of Infant Development standardized for Indian infants.
The daily dosage of antiepileptic drugs for each month of pregnancy was recorded.
Titze (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2008
Germany
1976 - 1984
prospective cohort
Five antenatal clinics in the city of Berlin (West Germany). Adolescents whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Adolescents from non-affected mothers.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 4 / 49
The pregnant women were asked to continuously monitor their treatment.
Titze (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2008
Germany
1976 - 1984
prospective cohort
Five antenatal clinics in the city of Berlin (West Germany). Adolescents whose epileptic mothers were exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Adolescents whose epileptic mothers weren't exposed to any antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 4 / 13
The pregnant women were asked to continuously monitor their treatment.
Tomson (Carbamazepine)
2018
42 countries
1999 - 2016
prospective cohort
The EURAP epilepsy and pregnancy registry Offspring exposed in utero to carbamazepine monotherapy during the first trimester and born from epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Offspring exposed in utero to lamotrigine monotherapy during the first trimester and born from epileptic mothers.
at least 1st trimester 1957 / 2514 Martinez4 2009 and 2018 malformations results already included in this study. This study is an update of Tomson's 2011 publication. They excluded from the current analysis pregnancies occurring in women without epilepsy. EURAP registry: potential overlap.
Information obtained during early pregnancy and follow-up by the treating physician who transferred it online to a EURAP national coordinator. He then, reviewed the reports for completeness and accuracy before transmission to the EURAP central database.
Tomson (Carbamazepine)
2015
42 countries
1999 - 2013
prospective cohort
The EURAP epilepsy and pregnancy registry Pregnancies in women with epilepsy treated with carbamazepine monotherapy at least during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnancies in women with epilepsy treated with lamotrigine monotherapy at least during the first trimester.
at least 1st trimester 1713 / 1910 Pregnancies that occurred in women without epilepsy were excluded. EURAP registry: potential overlap.
The data concerning treatment at the time of conception are obtained by the physicians responsible for the women’s care and transferred online. (Intention-to-treat principle).
Trivedi (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2018
India
1998 - 2015
prospective cohort
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (KREP) Pregnant women with epilepsy who used carbamazepine monotherapy any time during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy who used lamotrigine monotherapy any time during the first trimester of pregnancy.
1st trimester 465 / 48 Study design partly completed with cites source Thomas et al., 2017.
Women were instructed to record the use of the antiepileptic drugs on a daily basis in the pregnancy diary that was given to them.
Trivedi (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2018
India
1998 - 2015
prospective cohort
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (KREP) Pregnant women with epilepsy who used carbamazepine monotherapy any time during the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnant women with epilepsy who were not on antiepileptic drug during their first trimester.
1st trimester 465 / 178 Study design partly completed with cites source Thomas et al., 2017.
Women were instructed to record the use of the antiepileptic drugs on a daily basis in the pregnancy diary that was given to them.
Vajda (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2019
Australia
1999 - 2018
prospective cohort
The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy. Offsprings born from women nearly always with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy in at least the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Offsprings born from women nearly always with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy in at least the first trimester of pregnancy.
at least 1st trimester 409 / 406 Women with epilepsy accounted for 98.3%. Completely overlap Vajda 2007 (x2); 2010 (x2); 2012 (x2); 2013; 2014. Study design partly completed with Vajda 2013.
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. Details provided by the participants are confirmed, as far as possible, by the treating medical practitioners and through hospital records.
Vajda (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2018
Australia
1999 - 2016
prospective cohort
The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy. Offsprings of pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy throughout. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Offsprings of pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy throughout.
throughout pregnancy 404 / 382
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. Details provided by the participants are confirmed, as far as possible, by the treating medical practitioners.
Vajda (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2013
Australia
1999 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy. Offsprings from women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy in at least the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Offsprings from women with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy in at least the first trimester of pregnancy.
at least 1st trimester 361 / 315 Women taking AED for epilepsy are in majority (more than 90%). Vajda 2019 provides the most recent update for major malformations results for this register. Specific malformations' results are extracted from the review by Weston et al. 2016.
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. Details provided by the participants are confirmed, as far as possible, by the treating medical practitioners.
Vajda (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2019
Australia
1999 - 2018
prospective cohort
The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy. Offsprings born from women nearly always with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy in at least the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Offsprings born from women nearly always with epilepsy not treated with antiepileptic drugs in at least the first half of pregnancy.
at least 1st trimester 409 / 176 Women with epilepsy accounted for 98.3%. Completely overlap Vajda 2007 (x2); 2010 (x2); 2012 (x2); 2013; 2014. Study design partly completed with Vajda 2013.
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. Details provided by the participants are confirmed, as far as possible, by the treating medical practitioners and through hospital records.
Vajda (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2018
Australia
1999 - 2016
prospective cohort
The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy. Offsprings of pregnant women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy throughout. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Offsprings of pregnant women with epilepsy that have been untreated in at least the first half of pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 404 / 170
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. Details provided by the participants are confirmed, as far as possible, by the treating medical practitioners.
Vajda (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2013
Australia
1999 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy. Offsprings from women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy in at least the first trimester of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Offsprings from women with epilepsy not exposed to antiepileptic drugs in at least the first trimester of pregnancy.
at least 1st trimester 361 / 147 Women taking AED for epilepsy are in majority (more than 90%). Vajda 2019 provides the most recent update for major malformations results for this register. Specific malformations results are extracted from the review by Weston et al. 2016.
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. Details provided by the participants are confirmed, as far as possible, by the treating medical practitioners.
Van der Pol (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
1991
The Netherlands
1973 - 1981
prospective cohort
The Groningen University Hospital Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine only throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children of nonepileptic mothers selected from singletons born in the same period.
throughout pregnancy 12 / 61
The dosages of antiepileptic drugs were constant throughout pregnancy.
Van der Pol (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
1991
The Netherlands
1973 - 1981
prospective cohort
The Groningen University Hospital Children born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine only throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to epileptic mothers not exposed to antiepileptic medication.
throughout pregnancy 12 / 24
The dosages of antiepileptic drugs were constant throughout pregnancy.
Vanya (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2015
Hungary
2000 - 2014
retrospective cohort
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Health Center University of Szeged Neonates of epileptic women treated with carbamazepine monotherapy throughout the nine months of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Neonates of epileptic women treated with lamotrigine monotherapy throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 10 / 6 Chromosomal anomalies and genetic syndromes were excluded from the study. The only exploitable outcome with a control group concern major congenital malformation.
The epilepsy-related data evaluated included antiepileptic drugs therapy (NOS).
Vanya (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
2015
Hungary
2000 - 2014
retrospective cohort
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Health Center University of Szeged Neonates of epileptic women treated with carbamazepine monotherapy throughout the nine months of pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Neonates of epileptic women treatment-naive for antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy (not exposed to antiepileptic drugs).
throughout pregnancy 10 / 20 Chromosomal anomalies and genetic syndromes were excluded from the study. The only exploitable outcome with a control group concern major congenital malformation.
The epilepsy-related data evaluated included antiepileptic drugs therapy (NOS).
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) (Mixed indications)
2014
Norway
1999 - 2011
population based cohort retrospective
Medical Birth Registry of Norway Children exposed prenatally to carbamazepine as monotherapy indicated for their mothers' epilepsy or other indications. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children exposed prenatally to lamotrigine as monotherapy indicated for their mothers' epilepsy or other indications.
throughout pregnancy 685 / 833 Overlapping: Cohen 2023 and Veiby 2014 => less of 50% of overlapping => the 2 studies were kept. Less than 90% of women are treated with Carbamazepine and Lamotrigine for epilepsy (Mixed indications).
A standardised notification form is filled in from the first prenatal visit with the general practitioner until discharge and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery. (According to ATC Classification System).
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) a
2013
Norway
1999 - 2008
prospective cohort
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 48 / 71 Overlap for the neuro-developmental outcomes at 18 and 36 months old and the 'weight less than 10th percentile' outcomes with Bjørk 2018.
Reported by the mother in the first MoBa questionnaire (weeks 13-17) as well as recorded in the compulsory Medical Birth Registry by the attending physician and midwife at delivery.
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick) b
2013
Western Norway, Hordaland County.
1999 - 2008
prospective cohort
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 69 / 104 Veiby 2013 major malformations results are already included in Veiby 2014 and risk of ASD better studied in Bjørk 2018 (with more exposed pregnancies). Small for gestationnal age results of Farmen 2015 are completely overlapped by this study.
Questionnaires were filled out by the mothers (at gestational week 13–17) and medical hospital-records were examined to validate the self-reported use of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free) (Mixed indications)
2014
Norway
1999 - 2011
population based cohort retrospective
Medical Birth Registry of Norway Children exposed prenatally to carbamazepine as monotherapy indicated for their mothers' epilepsy or other indications. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
All unexposed children born to women without epilepsy.
throughout pregnancy 685 / 771412 Overlapping: Cohen 2023 and Veiby 2014 => less of 50% of overlapping => the 2 studies were kept. Less than 90% of women are treated with Carbamazepine for epilepsy (Mixed indications).
A standardised notification form is filled in from the first prenatal visit with the general practitioner until discharge and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery. (According to ATC Classification System).
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free) a
2013
Norway
1999 - 2008
prospective cohort
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children of parents without epilepsy unexposed to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 48 / 77770 Overlap for the neuro-developmental outcomes at 18 and 36 months old and the 'weight less than 10th percentile' outcome with Bjørk 2018.
Reported by the mother in the first MoBa questionnaire (weeks 13-17) as well as recorded in the compulsory Medical Birth Registry by the attending physician and midwife at delivery.
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free) b
2013
Western Norway, Hordaland County.
1999 - 2008
prospective cohort
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Children of parents without epilepsy unexposed to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 69 / 107597 Veiby 2013 major malformations results are already included in Veiby 2014 and risk of ASD better studied in Bjørk 2018 (with more exposed pregnancies). Small for gestationnal age results of Farmen 2015 are completely overlapped by this study.
Questionnaires were filled out by the mothers (at gestational week 13–17) and medical hospital-records were examined to validate the self-reported use of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) (Mixed indications)
2014
Norway
1999 - 2011
population based cohort retrospective
Medical Birth Registry of Norway Children exposed prenatally to carbamazepine as monotherapy indicated for their mothers' epilepsy or other indications. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to women with a history of epilepsy but no antiepileptic drug treatment during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 685 / 3773 Overlapping: Cohen 2023 and Veiby 2014 => less of 50% of overlapping => the 2 studies were kept. Less than 90% of women are treated with Carbamazepine for epilepsy (Mixed indications).
A standardised notification form is filled in from the first prenatal visit with the general practitioner until discharge and transferred to the database by practitioners attending the delivery. (According to ATC Classification System).
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) a
2013
Norway
1999 - 2008
prospective cohort
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children of mothers with epilepsy unexposed to antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 48 / 276 Overlap for the neuro-developmental outcomes at 18 and 36 months old and the 'weight less than 10th percentile' outcomes with Bjørk 2018.
Reported by the mother in the first MoBa questionnaire (weeks 13-17) as well as recorded in the compulsory Medical Birth Registry by the attending physician and midwife at delivery.
Veiby (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) b
2013
Western Norway, Hordaland County.
1999 - 2008
prospective cohort
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and The Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Children exposed to carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy born from epileptic mothers. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children of mothers with epilepsy not treated with antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 69 / 393 Veiby 2013 major malformations results are already included in Veiby 2014 and risk of ASD better studied in Bjørk 2018 (with more exposed pregnancies). Small for gestationnal age results of Farmen 2015 are completely overlapped by this study.
Questionnaires were filled out by the mothers (at gestational week 13–17) and medical hospital-records were examined to validate the self-reported use of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
Videman (Carbamazepine) (Controls exposed to Lamotrigine, sick)
2016
Finland
2009 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Helsinki University Hospital Newborns from epileptic women with fetal monotherapy carbamazepine exposure during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Newborns from epileptic women with fetal monotherapy lamotrigine exposure during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 9 / 8 Study design partly completed with a previous article of Videman 2016.
Exposure data (including daily doses and serum levels for oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, valproic acid, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam) were obtained prospectively at outpatient visits taking place every trimester and postnatally.
Videman (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
2016
Finland
2009 - 2013
prospective cohort
The Helsinki University Hospital Newborns from epileptic women with fetal monotherapy carbamazepine exposure during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Newborns from women with no antiepileptic drug or other brain-acting medication.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 9 / 67 Study design partly completed with a previous article of Videman 2016.
Exposure data (including daily doses and serum levels for oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, valproic acid, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam) were obtained prospectively at outpatient visits taking place every trimester and postnatally.
Viinikainen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free) a
2006
Finland
1989 - 2000
prospective cohort
Community-based pregnancy registry at the Kuopio University Hospital. Pregnancies of mothers who had active epilepsy and were using carbamazepine in monotherapy before conception and through the whole pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Pregnancies of mothers without epilepsy and unexposed to antiepileptic drugs.
throughout pregnancy 72 / 24778 Multiple pregnancies and pregnancies with evident neonatal chromosomal abnormalities were excluded.
Obstetric data derived from the pregnancy registry and supplemented with medical records. And plasma levels of the antiepileptic drugs were monitoring during pregnancy at each control visit.
Viinikainen (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick) a
2006
Finland
1989 - 2000
prospective cohort
Community-based pregnancy registry at the Kuopio University Hospital. Pregnancies of mothers who had active epilepsy and were using carbamazepine in monotherapy before conception and through the whole pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnancies of mothers who reported having previous history of epilepsy but no need for antiepileptic drugs at the time of the pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 72 / 52 Multiple pregnancies and pregnancies with evident neonatal chromosomal abnormalities were excluded.
Obstetric data derived from the pregnancy registry and supplemented with medical records. And plasma levels of the antiepileptic drugs were monitoring during pregnancy at each control visit.
Viinikainen (Carbamazepine) b
2006
Finland
1989 - 2000
prospective cohort
Community-based pregnancy registry at the Kuopio University Hospital. Pregnancies in which the mother had used carbamazepine during conception and throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnancies in which the mother reported having previous history of epilepsy but had not needed antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
throughout pregnancy 13 / 13 None evident malformations and any other causes for possible neurological dysfunctions, e.g. signs suggestive for chromosomal or metabolic diseases were found. The evaluators were blinded. Partly completed with Eriksson 2005.
The medical records of the children and their mothers were reviewed separately by two of the authors.
Vinten (Carbamazepine)
2005
UK
Not specified.
retrospective cohort
Specialist epilepsy clinics and obstetric clinics from the Liverpool and Manchester region (belong to the Liverpool and Manchester Neurodevelopment Study Group). Children born to epileptic mothers on carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children born to epileptic mothers not on antiepileptic medication during their pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 52 / 83 Repeat population groups and the same data are already obtained in Adab 2004 for all the neurodevelopmental outcomes except the IQ score within the extremely low range (IQ<69).
The women recruited were initially interviewed to ascertain information including the antiepileptic drug dose throughout the pregnancy. Clinical records were used to confirm the medical information.
Waters (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, disease free)
1994
USA
1987 - 1990
prospective cohort
The obstetrics service at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center. Infants born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Infants born to nonepileptic mothers selected from a computer-generated list of all women who gave birth in the same facility during this period.
1st trimester 33 / 355 Mothers who abused alcohol and other drugs were excluded from both patient ad control groups.
An attending neurologist took a history, performed an examination, and monitored the administration of antiepileptic drugs throughout the pregnancy. Documented at each visit on a standard form.
Waters (Carbamazepine) (Controls unexposed, sick)
1994
USA
1987 - 1990
prospective cohort
The obstetrics service at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center. Infants born to epileptic mothers exposed to carbamazepine during the first trimester. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Pregnancies in women with epilepsy in which there was no exposure to antiepileptic drugs.
1st trimester 33 / 15 Mothers who abused alcohol and other drugs were excluded from both patient ad control groups.
An attending neurologist took a history, performed an examination, and monitored the administration of antiepileptic drugs throughout the pregnancy. Documented at each visit on a standard form.
Wide (Carbamazepine)
2000
Sweden
1985 - 1995
prospective cohort
The Sodersjukhuset Hospital in the south-east region of Stockholm. First-born infants whose epileptic mothers were continuously treated with carbamazepine monotherapy from conception throughout pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed (general population or NOS)
Children born in the same hospital within 2 days of the study subjects of mothers not treated with antiepileptic drugs.
throughout pregnancy 39 / 87 Sex-matched control infants were found for 69 of 87 (87 of 100) subjects, but the other matching criteria were fulfilled for the total study group.
Mothers attended the outpatient clinic for pregnant women with epilepsy at the department of neurology where drug plasma levels were determined at monthly intervals.
Wiggs (Carbamazepine)
2020
Sweden
1996 - 2011
population based cohort retrospective
Swedish Medical Birth Register, the National Patient Register, the Prescribed Drug Register, the Integrated Database for Labor Market Research and the Education Register. Children whose epileptic mothers reported use of carbamazepine monotherapy in the first trimester (77% were found to have filled prescriptions later in pregnancy: second or third trimester). (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, sick
Children whose epileptic mothers reported no use of antiseizure medications.
at least 1st trimester -9 / 11298 Children who were multiples were dropped. Crude data are not specified for monotherapy exposure.
Authors defined exposure using Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes for maternal-reported atiseizure medication use. They cross-referenced maternal self-reports against official records of filled prescriptions in The Prescribed Drug Register to verified previous findings of high agreement.
Wood (Carbamazepine)
2015
Australia
2007 - 2010
prospective cohort
The Australian Pregnancy Register (APR) for Women on Antiepileptic Medication. Children of women with epilepsy exposed to carbamazepine in monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). exposed to other treatment, sick
Children of women with epilepsy exposed to lamotrigine in monotherapy during pregnancy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 34 / 9 Children with major birth defects or a diagnosis of epilepsy were excluded, as these conditions are known risk factors for autism spectrum disorders. Child's IQ results are already reported by the publication of Nadebaum 2011.
Details are obtained by four in-depth telephone interviews with the women. And treating doctors are contacted to confirm medical details.
Yerby (Carbamazepine)
1992
USA
Not specified.
prospective cohort
The Child Development and Mental Retardation Center at the University of Washington. Infants of mothers with epilepsy treated by carbamazepine monotherapy during pregnancy. (This is a subgroup of exposure among the whole exposed group considered in the study). unexposed, disease free
Infants of women without a chronic illness or a personal or family history of epilepsy.
during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 19 / 46 Women were excluded if they had another chronic illness and were not compliant.
Women with epilepsy had a determination of antiepileptic drug concentrations. They were scheduled for monthly visits and with their babies two times post partum

Case-control studies

Study Country
Study period
Study design
Data source Case Control Exposition Exposition period Sample size
(exposed/unexposed) Or (case / control)
Remarks Risk of bias
Arteaga-Vázquez (Carbamazepine)
2012
Mexico
1978 - 2010
case control
Registro y Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Malformaciones Congénitas (RYVEMCE): 36 hospitals participated from different states of the Mexican Republic. Newborn with one or more congenital malformations. Newborn control without congenital malformations which is the birth following the newborn with congenital malformations of the same sex born at the same hospital. The intake of anticonvulsants was obtained by direct interview of the mother during the first 24 hours after delivery or by consulting the obstetric record. 1st trimester 71 / 95
Clinical examination systematized of all consecutive births that occur in the hospitals that participate in the program. Uniform information is obtained through the filling of a specifically designed clinical form for the registry.
Bànhidy (Carbamazepine)
2011
Hungary
1980 - 1996
case control
Hungarian Congenital Abnormality Registry (HCAR), the National Birth Registry of the Central Statistical Office and the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCSCA). Children affected with congenital abnormalities and who had mothers with medically recorded epilepsy. Newborn infants without congenital abnormality and who had mothers with medically recorded epilepsy. Mothers were mailed a questionnaire (after the selection of cases and controls) requested information on medicinal products taken during pregnancy and to send their prenatal maternity logbook and other medical records. Regional nurses were asked to visit and question the non-respondent. throughout pregnancy 95 / 90 Malformations caused by major mutant genes or chromosomal aberrations with preconceptional origin were excluded. Exposure period completed with Czeizel 1992. Czeizel 1992 congenital abnormalities results are completely overlapped by this publication.
Notification of cases with congenital abnormality is mandatory for physicians to the HCAR. Pathologists sent a copy of autopsy report for stillbirths and infant deaths cases and defect diagnosed in prenatal diagnostic centers with or without termination of pregnancy were also included.
Czeizel (Carbamazepine) (Mixed indications)
1992
Hungary
1980 - 1987
case control
The Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies. Children affected with congenital abnormalities born from treated or untreated mothers. Children without congenital abnormalities born from treated or untreated mothers. Mothers were mailed a questionnaire requested information on medicinal products taken during pregnancy and to send their prenatal maternity logbook which related drug prescriptions. Regional nurses were asked to visit and question the non-respondent. throughout pregnancy 100 / 54 3 women were treated with carbamazepine for migraine. The study design was partly completed thanks to the reference [6] cited in the publication. All congenital abnormalities except spina bifida are overlapped by the publication of Bànhidy 2011.
Notification of cases with congenital abnormality is mandatory for physicians to the HCAR. Pathologists sent autopsy report for stillbirths and infant deaths cases. Prenatally diagnosed and electively terminated malformed fetuses have also been registered.
Jentink (Carbamazepine)
2010
Europe
1995 - 2005
case control
The EUROCAT Antiepileptic Study Database (drawn from 19 population based registries) All live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks’ gestation, and terminations of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis, non-chromosomal and non-monogenic, with at least one of the five major congenital malformations under study. Live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks’ gestation, and terminations of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis that involved major malformations other than the five malformations under study. The EUROCAT central database contains medications taken in the first trimester of pregnancy (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical coded). 1st trimester 11790 / 69883
EUROCAT major congenital malformation classification (based on ICD-10).
Källén (Carbamazepine)
1994
Sweden
1973 - 1991
nested case control
The Sweden Medical Birth Registry, the Hospital Discharge Registry and the Maternal Health Centre records. Infants with spina bifida. Infants whose mothers had epilepsy and were matched. Information on epilepsy during pregnancy and possible anticonvulsant drugs used were obtained from the Maternal Health Centre records (usually weeks 10 to 12 of pregnancy). during pregnancy (anytime or not specified) 9 / 18
Diagnoses in the Medical Birth Registry. Authors retrieved the original hospital records.
Thomas a (Carbamazepine)
2008
India
1998 - 2004
nested case control
The Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy Infants with cardiac malformation defined as any major malformation of the heart or intrathoracic great vessels that is actually or potentially of functional significance. Infants without cardiac malformation. The maternal use of antiepileptic drugs is recorded in the protocol forms from the month prior to the last menstrual period through the entire pregnancy and postpartum period on a monthly basis. 1st trimester 36 / 426 Completely overlapped with Thomas et al., 2021.
A cardiologist blinded to antiepileptic drugs exposure of the infants carries out a clinical examination and echocardiogram on all infants. A second cardiologist confirmed malformation whenever required.

Risk of bias: : NA;   : low;   : moderate;   : serious;   : critical;   : unclear;  

master protocol