A new study indicates that men taking valproate, a common anti-seizure medication, for epilepsy do not appear to increase the risk of birth defects or developmental disorders in their offspring. This finding challenges current guidelines in some regions that restrict valproate use in men who may become fathers.
The systematic review, led by Professor Piero Perucca from the University of Melbourne, analyzed data from 10 studies and found no clear, consistent evidence of harm caused by fathers-to-be taking valproate. The research addresses concerns raised by animal studies linking anti-seizure drugs to male infertility, birth defects, and developmental delays.
Impact on Clinical Practice
The U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has previously prohibited valproate use for anyone under the age of 55 who might become a new parent. However, the researchers argue that such restrictions could lead to the prescription of less effective medications, particularly for individuals with generalized epilepsies where valproate is often the most effective option. They also note that restricting valproate could increase the risk of disease and death, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
Expert Commentary
Torbjorn Tomson, a professor of clinical neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute, concurred with the study's findings. In an editorial published alongside the study, Tomson stated that the evidence provides "essential comprehensive, and mainly reassuring, information indicating no increased risks for developmental disorders with paternal valproate exposure." He also questioned the U.K.'s restrictions, arguing they place male patients with generalized epilepsies at risk of inadequate seizure control with potentially fatal consequences.
Study Details and Future Research
The systematic review, published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, highlights the need for more research in this area. While the current findings are reassuring, the researchers emphasize that the reproductive implications of anti-seizure medication exposure in males remain under-investigated and should be prioritized in future studies.
Limitations
The authors acknowledge that the available data were limited, underscoring the need for further research to confirm these findings and explore potential long-term effects.
