A groundbreaking study from the University of Waterloo has introduced a novel mathematical framework to assess the cumulative drug exposure in infants whose mothers are on medication. This pioneering research, conducted by experts at the School of Pharmacy, aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how drugs like Levetiracetam, commonly prescribed for epilepsy, affect infants through both prenatal and postnatal pathways.

The innovative model integrates drug transfer mechanisms from the umbilical cord during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. By accounting for these dual exposure routes, researchers have developed what they term the "cord-coupled model" (CCM). This approach offers a more precise evaluation of infant drug levels during their early developmental stages. Dr. Santosh Suryavanshi, a research associate involved in the project, emphasized the importance of including infant physiological data, breast milk consumption volumes, and drug concentrations in breast milk to achieve more accurate results.

This advancement holds significant implications for maternal health and infant safety. The scarcity of clinical data for many medications used by breastfeeding mothers has long posed challenges. Shirley Wang, a PhD student leading the study, highlighted that the risk of adverse effects on infants from typically prescribed doses of Levetiracetam is minimal. This finding can alleviate concerns for mothers who must balance the necessity of their medication with the well-being of their infants. Ultimately, this modeling tool promises to enhance the quality of life for both mothers and babies by providing safer and more informed healthcare decisions.