Grant: Operating Grant: Data Analysis Using Existing CDN Databases and Cohorts

There is some evidence that use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) by pregnant people who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders may increase the risk of children developing neurodevelopmental problems such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or other intellectual, developmental or behavourial problems. However, the number of different types of ASMs has increased in the last 30 years, and we have less evidence about the risks of these newer drugs. We have collected large anonymized datasets from Canadian and US populations of pregnant people and their children that allows us to track medication use and health outcomes over a period of 2-3 decades since the 1990s. We will apply advanced statistical techniques to quantify the relationship between the use of different ASMs in pregnancy and the risk of children developing either attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to determine the relative safety of the different types of drugs. We will compare outcomes in children whose mothers used ASMs during pregnancy with those whose mothers did not, taking into account various factors such as the type of medication, the dosage, and the duration of use. Our research will also consider the potential influence of other factors, including the presence of maternal epilepsy and the overall health of the mother during pregnancy. This research will provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between antiseizure medication use and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, with important implications for pregnant people with seizure disorders, their healthcare providers, and policymakers. It may help guide treatment decisions and improve the care and support provided to these individuals during pregnancy. We aim to contribute to the body of knowledge that informs evidence-based healthcare decisions and ensures the best possible outcomes for both mothers and their children.