“We can reasonably estimate that 14,000 people have presented damage caused by in utero exposure to sodium valproate” can we read in a study published in the book Dépakine, le scandale, that Marine Martin the president of the Association of assistance to the parents of children suffering from the anticonvulsant syndrome (Apesac).
This figure joins the one that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health announced last August in a statement.
A 30 to 40% risk of neurological damage in the baby
The Dépakine has been marketed in France by the Sanofi laboratory since 1967 for the treatment of epilepsy and since 1977 for bipolar disorders (under the names Dépakote and Dépamide).
When this medication is taken during pregnancy, it is estimated that there is a 10% risk of the child being born with physical defects, as well as a 30% to 40% risk of neurological damage. , resulting in autistic disorders, intellectual delays or coordination difficulties.
Today Depakine can no longer be prescribed to women of childbearing age, except in cases of intolerance to other antiepileptics, and a care agreement form must be signed by the patient. “But in fact, many doctors do not follow this protocol” underlines Marine Martin in an interview granted to the Obs. “A study by the AP-HP, commissioned by Martin Hirsch and made public in February, shows that the information has not passed to all practitioners”.
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