The frequency of neonatal morbidity after exposure to antiepileptic drugs in utero: a retrospective population-based study.

Objectives: To investigate the frequency of malformations, fetal growth retardation, cerebral hemorrhage and neonatal withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in utero.

Design: Population of the northeastern part of Slovenia (pregnant women and newborns between 1998 and 2002).

Methods: Data on newborns born between 1998 and 2002 of 37 epileptic mothers taking AEDs in pregnancy, of 32 epileptic mothers not taking AEDs in pregnancy and of 211 mothers healthy in pregnancy were ascertained from hospital obstetric and neonatal records and included in the study.

Epidemiological study of cerebral palsy in the Maribor region.

Background: The results of changes in perinatal health care in Maribor show a significant improvement in the past decade. Between 1995 and 1999, the survival chances of neonates with birth weight < 1000g also increased. With the appearance of new generations of extremely low-birth-weight infants, the risk of a higher incidence rate of various forms of neurosensory affection in the survivors increased.