Free webinar on “Optimizing care: Epilepsy and pregnancy in women and girls

Join us for the free webinar on “Optimizing care: Epilepsy and pregnancy in women and girls,” taking place on 11 July! This special session is hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), International League Against Epilepsy and International Bureau for Epilepsy.

Description:

Valproic acid (sodium valproate) is a commonly prescribed antiseizure medication. However, its use in women and girls who want to or may become pregnant raises significant concerns due to the elevated risk of birth defects and developmental disorders in children exposed to the drug in utero. Studies indicate a 10% risk of fetal malformation and a 30-40% risk of neurodevelopmental difficulties in children born to women taking valproate during pregnancy.

Recognizing these risks, WHO guidelines emphasize the importance of informed decision-making and careful management in this population. This webinar aims to explore best practices and challenges in prescribing to women and girls with epilepsy, with a focus on mitigating risks and ensuring safety.

Webinar Goals:

• Inform about WHO’s updated mhGAP guidelines on the use of valproic acid (sodium valproate) for the treatment of epilepsy in women and girls who want to or may become pregnant.
• Raise awareness among stakeholders about the relative risks of prescribing in women and girls and provide guidance on treatment options.
• Highlight the importance of shared decision-making and individualized care when managing epilepsy in women planning pregnancy, or already pregnant.

Webinar Outline:

• Presentation: Overview of the WHO mhGAP guidelines.
• Expert Panel Discussion: Engage with leading experts in the fields of medicine, policy, regulation, and patient advocacy.
• Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our panelists.

Take the opportunity to enhance your understanding by joining the webinar live, click here to register.

Neerja Chowdhary, MD
Technical Officer, Brain Health Unit
Department of Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use
World Health Organization
Geneva, Switzerland