open access

Vol 58, No 2 (2024)
Short Communication
Submitted: 2023-08-25
Accepted: 2024-01-11
Published online: 2024-02-02
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Outcomes following exposure to lacosamide monotherapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding — a prospective case series

Magdalena Bosak1, Radosław Dziedzic1, Katarzyna Matwiej1, Agnieszka Słowik1
·
Pubmed: 38305480
·
Neurol Neurochir Pol 2024;58(2):203-206.
Affiliations
  1. Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland

open access

Vol 58, No 2 (2024)
Short communications
Submitted: 2023-08-25
Accepted: 2024-01-11
Published online: 2024-02-02

Abstract

Aim of the study. To evaluate the safety of lacosamide (LCM) monotherapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Material and methods. Patients taking LCM monotherapy treated at the university epilepsy clinic were prospectively followed up during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. Data on seizure frequency, LCM dosage, pregnancy course, delivery and breastfeeding, birth outcome, congenital malformation, and development of newborns was collected.

Results. Four pregnancies in three patients with refractory focal epilepsy treated with LCM monotherapy were reported. One of these pregnancies ended in a miscarriage during the seventh week of gestation. The average daily LCM dose at the time of conception was 300 mg. Treatment with LCM was continued throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. The dose of LCM was increased in two pregnancies: in one case following a seizure relapse, and in the other case as a preventive measure to avoid an increase in seizure frequency. Seizure frequency remained stable during pregnancy in two cases. All deliveries were carried out via caesarean section, with an average gestational age at birth of 37.6 weeks. The Apgar score was 10 in all newborns, and no congenital malformations were detected. At the age of 12 months, normal developmental milestones were reached. Infants were breastfed without any complications.

Conclusions and clinical implications. This case series adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting the relative safety of LCM monotherapy throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Abstract

Aim of the study. To evaluate the safety of lacosamide (LCM) monotherapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Material and methods. Patients taking LCM monotherapy treated at the university epilepsy clinic were prospectively followed up during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. Data on seizure frequency, LCM dosage, pregnancy course, delivery and breastfeeding, birth outcome, congenital malformation, and development of newborns was collected.

Results. Four pregnancies in three patients with refractory focal epilepsy treated with LCM monotherapy were reported. One of these pregnancies ended in a miscarriage during the seventh week of gestation. The average daily LCM dose at the time of conception was 300 mg. Treatment with LCM was continued throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. The dose of LCM was increased in two pregnancies: in one case following a seizure relapse, and in the other case as a preventive measure to avoid an increase in seizure frequency. Seizure frequency remained stable during pregnancy in two cases. All deliveries were carried out via caesarean section, with an average gestational age at birth of 37.6 weeks. The Apgar score was 10 in all newborns, and no congenital malformations were detected. At the age of 12 months, normal developmental milestones were reached. Infants were breastfed without any complications.

Conclusions and clinical implications. This case series adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting the relative safety of LCM monotherapy throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Get Citation

Keywords

lacosamide, pregnancy, breastfeeding, malformations

About this article
Title

Outcomes following exposure to lacosamide monotherapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding — a prospective case series

Journal

Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska

Issue

Vol 58, No 2 (2024)

Article type

Short Communication

Pages

203-206

Published online

2024-02-02

Page views

325

Article views/downloads

303

DOI

10.5603/pjnns.97120

Pubmed

38305480

Bibliographic record

Neurol Neurochir Pol 2024;58(2):203-206.

Keywords

lacosamide
pregnancy
breastfeeding
malformations

Authors

Magdalena Bosak
Radosław Dziedzic
Katarzyna Matwiej
Agnieszka Słowik

References (12)
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  9. Golembesky A, Cooney M, Craig J, et al. Outcomes following exposure to the antiepileptic drug lacosamide during pregnancy — results from a global safety database (P5.231). Neurology. 2017; 88(16_supplement).
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