In Utero Exposure to Valproate: A Cause of Autism?

Preliminary findings from this small study represent the first prospective observation of an association between fetal valproate exposure and ASDs.

Results from retrospective studies suggest an association between in utero exposure to sodium valproate and development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In an ongoing prospective study, researchers compared the incidence of ASDs among offspring of 296 mothers who had epilepsy and 336 mothers who did not have epilepsy. The mothers were recruited during pregnancy between 2000 and 2006 from two U.K. antenatal clinics; children underwent neuropsychological tests at ages 1, 3, and 6 years.

Most (249) offspring of mothers with epilepsy were exposed to antiepileptic drugs at the beginning of gestation; 64 were exposed to valproate. Overall, 10 children (1.6%) were diagnosed with an ASD; of these, 7 (2.8%) were in the epilepsy group and 3 (0.9%)…

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