Study finds no increased risk of malformation, neurodevelopmental disorder, or autism spectrum disorder in the children of male valproate users
Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark have published a large population-based cohort study of paternal valproate use. The study found no increased risk of malformation diagnosis in the first year of life for the infants of men who used valproate immediately before or during the time of spermatogenesis (3 months prior to conception). Following the study population for a median period of 10 years, there was no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders generally, or for autism spectrum disorder specifically. These findings remained similar when numerous sensitivity analyses were applied to try and account for the impacts of valproate dose and any effects from the paternal medical conditions which necessitated valproate use (such as epilepsy). For more information, please see here.