Improving the prescription of folate to women receiving antiepileptic drugs

Epilepsy Res. 2015 May:112:27-30. doi: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.02.004. Epub 2015 Feb 14.

Abstract

In women of childbearing potential (WCP) on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), there is an increased risk of teratogenicity. This can potentially be reduced with folate supplementation. We evaluated the rate of co-prescription of AEDs and folate to WCP by non-epileptologist Neurology attendings and residents before and after an educational intervention. During the initial 3 month survey, 54 WCP were prescribed ≥1 AEDs. Prior to the intervention, the rate of co-prescription of AEDs and folate was 20.4%. This was higher when neurologists were prescribing AEDs for epilepsy (34.4%) versus other disorders (0%, p=0.02). In the 3 months following the intervention, 48 WCP received AEDs. The rate of co-prescribing folate increased to 64.6% (p<0.001). Neurologists treating epilepsy continued to be more likely to prescribe folate (86.4%) than neurologists treating other conditions (46.2%, p=0.006).

Keywords: Antiepileptic drug side effects; Fetal malformations; Pregnancy and epilepsy; Teratogenesis; Women and epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prescriptions*
  • Vitamin B Complex / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Folic Acid