Living with Epilepsy-Insights and Suggestions for Adopting Models of Care for Pregnant Women with Epilepsy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video presentation, led by Dr. Sirita Maturu and Dr. Nemi Vélez-Ruiz, discusses models of care for pregnant women with epilepsy. The focus is on integrated clinic systems that provide dedicated care through all pregnancy stages, including postpartum. This model comprises structured patient visits in each trimester and postpartum, focusing on topics like medication effects, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and patient education, especially regarding drug safety, folic acid intake, and breastfeeding. Adjusting medications as necessary and tracking health through consistent lab work are key components of the care provided. The presentation highlights the success of these models at different institutions and encourages setting up such clinics even with limited resources by underlining the importance of defined goals, strategic planning, and collaboration with other medical departments. Supporting data are cited showing improved outcomes, including fewer congenital malformations and better seizure management, confirming the clinics' positive impact on patient care.

Asset Subtitle

Presenters:
Naymee Velez Ruiz, MD, FAES, is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Miami Epilepsy Center, which she joined in 2015. She is the Director of the Jackson Memorial Hospital EMU & EEG Lab. She is an Attending Epileptologist at the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics. She is Director of the Women & Epilepsy Program, and Epilepsy Fellowship Director since 2017. Her interests include the surgical treatment of intractable epilepsy and women issues in epilepsy. She is Site PI for the Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs Study. She is Fellow of the American Epilepsy Society and Contributing Editor for Epilepsy Currents.

Sarita Maturu, DO, is an Assistant Professor of Neurology in the Epilepsy Division at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She is currently the Interim Co-Chief of the Epilepsy DIvision as well as the Director of Neurology Specialty Clinics. Her interests include treating women with epilepsy and transition care for the young adult/adolescent population. Pursuant to this passion, she has started an Epilepsy Pregnancy Clinic and an Epilepsy Transition Clinic in conjuction with Nationwide Children's Hospital. She is also on the board of My Epilepsy Story which is a non profit organization for women with epilepsy.