No Negative Effect of Antiepileptic Drug Exposure Through Breast Milk on Cognitive Function at Age 6 Years

In adjusted multivariate analysis, mean IQ was 4 points higher in children who were breast-fed than in those who were not.

In a previous report of an ongoing prospective, observational, multicenter study, antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy (with carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, or valproate) in breast-feeding mothers with epilepsy did not affect cognitive outcomes in children at age 3 years (NEJM JW Womens Health Dec 16 2010). Now, researchers compare cognitive outcomes in these children at age 6 years. Of 181 children, 43% were breast-fed for a mean of 7 months.

Breast-feeding rate and duration did not differ across drug groups, and mean AED dose did not differ between breast-fed and non–breast-fed groups. In multivariate analyses (adjusted for maternal IQ, AED, and folate use), mean IQ at age 6 years was 4 points higher in breast-fed children compared …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics