J G Kariuki1, M D Joshi, A M Adam, T O O Kwasa, M Machoki. 1. Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reproductive health issues of women with epilepsy (WWE) are complex and multifaceted, and both epilepsy and antiepileptic drug (AEDs) use may alter fertility and pregnancy outcomes in these women. OBJECTIVE: To determine the fertility rate of women with epilepsy at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Neurology clinic, KNH, Nairobi, Kenya, between October 2006 and March 2007. SUBJECTS: A total of 191 women with epilepsy (aged 15-49 years) who had been epileptic for at least one year were interviewed regarding their pregnancy and birth histories, and the information validated with medical records where available. RESULTS: The general fertility rate (GFR) for reproductive-aged epileptic women for the three-year period (2003-2006) preceding the study was 46 livebirths per 1000 women-years (95% CI 35.13-63.59). CONCLUSION: Fertility rate in epileptic women is decreased by two thirds (compared to that of general population of women in Kenya). Reasons for this are probably miltifactorial.
BACKGROUND: Reproductive health issues of women with epilepsy (WWE) are complex and multifaceted, and both epilepsy and antiepileptic drug (AEDs) use may alter fertility and pregnancy outcomes in these women. OBJECTIVE: To determine the fertility rate of women with epilepsy at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Neurology clinic, KNH, Nairobi, Kenya, between October 2006 and March 2007. SUBJECTS: A total of 191 women with epilepsy (aged 15-49 years) who had been epileptic for at least one year were interviewed regarding their pregnancy and birth histories, and the information validated with medical records where available. RESULTS: The general fertility rate (GFR) for reproductive-aged epilepticwomen for the three-year period (2003-2006) preceding the study was 46 livebirths per 1000 women-years (95% CI 35.13-63.59). CONCLUSION: Fertility rate in epilepticwomen is decreased by two thirds (compared to that of general population of women in Kenya). Reasons for this are probably miltifactorial.