D.6 Neurological care and outcomes of pregnant patients with epilepsy in a Canadian tertiary care center (2014-2020)

Abstract

Background: Limited data exists on neurological care and outcomes of Canadian pregnant patients with epilepsy (PPWE). This study provides Canadian data to inform practice patterns and observed outcomes for PPWE at a tertiary care center. Methods: PPWE receiving care at the University Health Network (Toronto, Canada) epilepsy clinic from January 1, 2014 to November 20 2020 were retrospectively identified with demographics and neurological data and outcomes collected. Results: A total of 195 cases were identified, with a median maternal age of 32 years (SD 4.58), a median age at first seizure of 17 years (range 1 month – 36 years old), 52% were diagnosed with genetic generalized epilepsy and 50% endorsed 6 months of seizure freedom prior to conception. In pregnancy, 93% took ASM(s) with 77% receiving therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and drug dose adjustments reported in 69%. Most cases (73%) maintained a stable seizure frequency. Conclusions: This study provides new Canadian data on PPWE at a tertiary care center. PPWE are overall well controlled, more likely to have young adult onset, genetic generalized epilepsy with nearly all taking ASM(s) during pregnancy. While high rates of TDM and drug dose adjustments were observed, most experienced seizure stability in pregnancy.