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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Intrauterine Growth Restriction | Protocol

Anti-epileptic drug exposure during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight outcomes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Alekhya Lavu, Christine Vaccaro, Walid Shouman, Silvia Alessi Severini, Sherif Eltonsy

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of epilepsy in pregnant women is estimated at 0.3-1%. Anti-epileptic drug (AED) exposure in-utero has been associated with various adverse health outcomes in neonates, including adverse birth weight outcomes.

Objective

This review aims to summarize the published evidence on the association between AED exposure in pregnancy and adverse birth weight outcomes

Methods

Studies assessing AED exposure in pregnancy and neonatal birth weight outcomes, including small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW), birth weight (BW), length, head circumference, and cephalization index will be identified in MEDLINE®, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), and Global Health. Open grey, Theses Canada, and ProQuest Dissertations will be used to locate gray literature. Eligible study designs will include both intervention and non-interventional studies. We will not impose any time limit in the review. We will use the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the methodological quality of observational studies and quasi-experimental studies included in the review. The risk of bias of experimental studies will be appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). A meta-analysis will be conducted using a random-effects model.

Discussion

The results from this review could improve clinicians’ prescribing decisions by highlighting the safest AEDs for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive based on the evidence currently available.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020192713

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Anti-epileptic drug exposure during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight outcomes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alekhya Lavu
Christine Vaccaro
Walid Shouman
Silvia Alessi Severini
Sherif Eltonsy
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Epilepsy
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01711-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Anti-epileptic drug exposure during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight outcomes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Discussion

Systematic review registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Discussion

Systematic review registration

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