Pre-pregnancy fertility guidance for women of childbearing age with epilepsy: A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Epilepsy management during pregnancy is a clinical conundrum, requiring a balance between seizure control and risk minimization for women with epilepsy, as well as for their fetuses.

Objective

In this review, we aimed to systematically search, evaluate, and summarize relevant evidence on perinatal fertility guidance for women with epilepsy to provide a basis for medical staff to offer comprehensive fertility counseling.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted for system evaluations, expert consensus, guidelines, and evidence summarizing best clinical practices and clinical decision-making in fertility guidance for women with epilepsy. The search encompassed resources from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Optimization in the United Kingdom, the National Guidelines Network in the United States, the International Guidelines Collaboration Network, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario guidelines in Canada, the Scottish Interhospital Guidelines Network, the International Anti-Epilepsy Alliance, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the United Kingdom, the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Chinese Anti Epilepsy Association, PubMed, UpToDate, BMJ Best Clinical Practice, Web of Science, Embase, JBI Evidence Based Health Care Center, Cochrane Library Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases or websites from inception to July 31st 2023. Two researchers with evidence-based nursing backgrounds independently completed literature screening and quality evaluation while extracting and summarizing evidence based on themes.

Results

A total of 11 articles were ultimately included, comprising one clinical decision, six guidelines, two expert consensus statements, one meta-analysis, and one evidence summary. In these articles, authors collectively addressed five themes: pre-pregnancy consultation and preparation, pregnancy management, delivery management, postpartum and newborn care, and selection of contraceptive measures.

Conclusion

We have synthesized the most compelling evidence regarding reproductive counseling for women with epilepsy across the preconception, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods. This serves as a foundation for healthcare professionals to implement effective reproductive counseling practices. In clinical practice, medical personnel should consider the patient's clinical context, individual circumstances, and preferences when devising treatment and care plans. This will facilitate the implementation of scientifically-sound management strategies for women with epilepsy to enhance maternal and infant outcomes.