New study explains how antiepileptic drug causes problems during pregnancy. Valproic acid's effects on the placenta may be involved in the adverse developmental outcomes seen in fetuses exposed to the drug.
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‘Use of the antiepileptic drug valproic acid during pregnancy has been associated with fetal loss, impaired growth, major congenital malformations, increased risk of developmental problems, and autism.’
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"Despite the risk, there are cases in which valproic acid may be the only drug that can control seizures in pregnant women," said senior author Dr. Sara Eyal, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in Israel. "We continue our studies to understand why some fetuses are adversely affected by valproic acid whereas others are not."
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Source-Eurekalert