HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Boston, Massachusetts, USA or Virtually from your home or work.

8th Edition of International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders

October 19-21, 2023

October 19 -21, 2023 | Boston, Massachusetts, USA
INBC 2023

Nadiah Ghazalli

Speaker at Neurology and Brain Disorders 2023 - Nadiah Ghazalli
GSK Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
Title : Individualisation of antiepileptic drugs and the role of levetiracetam in women with epilepsy

Abstract:

Active epilepsy among women of childbearing age is more prevalent compared to the general population worldwide. Women with epilepsy (WWE) face specific challenges related to hormonal function, and by extension, their sexual and reproductive health. The impact of epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) therapy in WWE at pre-conception include interference with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, fertility challenges, contraception failure, bone and thyroid health, as well as cosmetic side effects of treatment affecting adherence and quality of life. WWE also face elevated risks of teratogenicity   AEDs, foetal loss, seizure precipitation, complications and mortality during pregnancy and labour. Impact of prenatal exposure of AEDs in children of WWE, such as birth defects, preterm birth and lower cognitive performance, are important considerations when selecting a particular AED therapy. The management of WWE requires attention to WWE-specific issues for individualisation of treatment. Tolerability and safety of AEDs are of paramount importance when differentiating between drugs. In this narrative literature review, we discuss the role of levetiracetam, alongside other AEDs in managing epilepsy in WWE at various stages of life: puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. Treatment optimisation in WWE should be implemented early on, and should not be delayed until the discovery of pregnancy or development of adverse effects. Improved clinician awareness and patient education/counselling are essential to make informed decisions and mitigate risks.

Audience Take Away

  • Understand the specific challenges faced by women with epilepsy
  • Understand how these challenges may change throughout different life stages, from adolescence to pregnancy to postpartum stages
  • An overview of levetiracetam in comparison with other ASMs in addressing clinical challenges faced when treating women with epilepsy

Biography:

Nadiah Ghazalli obtained her BSc from Rochester Institute of Technology, MS from Stanford University, and PhD in Biology from Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences. She currently manages the Neurology portfolio as a Medical Advisor with GSK Malaysia.

Watsapp