PIVKA-II (protein induced by vitamin K absence-II) status in newborns exposed to anticonvulsant drugs in utero.

Using PIVKA-II and Hepaplastin test, 5 neonates exposed to anticonvulsant drugs in utero were assessed 5 days after birth. None showed any sign of clinical bleeding, but all had PIVKA-II values over 1 microgram/ml. In controls, only 96 of 1,166 (8.2%) neonates had PIVKA-II values over 1 microgram/ml. The difference in the incidence rate was significant (p less than 0.005). Three of 5 epileptic mothers received valproatic acid and/or diazepam but no barbiturates and/or hydantoin.