Use of Phenytoin in Pregnancy for Epileptic Seizure Prevention: A Case Report

Abstract

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in women of reproductive age. Phenytoin is one of the most frequently prescribed antiepileptic drugs. Although the vast majority of women with epilepsy have normal pregnancy outcomes, certain fetal anomalies and pregnancy complications are associated with epilepsy and phenytoin use. Appropriate midwifery care of women with epilepsy includes consultation and co-management with an obstetrician and a neurologist. The clinical course of a woman with epilepsy taking phenytoin is presented.

Maternal Arrhythmia

“…Its use is limited in pregnant patients, as it has been shown to cause fetal hydantoin syndrome-malformations in the fetus, including IUGR, with microcephaly, hypoplastic limbs, and neurodevelopmental delay. [63][64][65][66] The use of phenytoin as an antiarrhythmic in the third trimester, when the teratogenic risks to the fetus are decreased, has not been studied, and are unlikely to be, as there are other pharmacological options available.…”