Valproate use during pregnancy ups autism risk in offspring: study
Researchers found a dose-dependent relationship between valproate exposure in utero and autism risk in children.
The incidence of autism spectrum disorder is higher among children exposed to valproate in the second half of pregnancy compared to those without exposure to antiseizure medications in utero, according to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine.
US researchers identified a population-based cohort of pregnant women and their children within two healthcare utilisation databases, with antiseizure medication exposure defined as prescriptions filled from 19 weeks’ gestation until delivery.
