Antiepileptic Drug Exposure during Pregnancy and Neonatal Birth Weight Outcomes: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract Background: The prevalence of epilepsy in pregnant women is estimated at 0.3- 1%. Antiepileptic drug (AED) exposure in-utero has been associated with various adverse health outcomes in neonates including adverse birth weight outcomes. Methods: To summarize the evidence on the association between AED exposure in pregnancy and adverse birthweight outcomes. Studies assessing AED exposure in pregnancy and neonatal birth weight outcome including small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW), birth weight (BW), length head circumference and cephalization index will be identified in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, IPA, and Global Health. Open grey, Theses Canada and ProQuest Dissertations will be used to locate grey literature. Eligible study designs include experimental and observational studies. Studies will be assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Meta-analysis will be conducted using a random-effects model. Discussion: The results from this review could improve clinicians’ prescribing decisions by highlighting the safest AEDs for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive based on the best evidence currently available. Systematic review registration: submitted (19/08/2020))