Biochemical Side Effect of Antiepileptic Drugs on Liver Enzymes, Lipid Profile and Haematological Profile in Epileptic Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Antiepileptic drugs are large group of medications with variable mechanisms of action. There are various effects have been reported with long-term antiepileptic therapy. To assess the effects of the antiepileptic drugs on blood indices, liver function and lipid enzymes in epileptic pediatric age group. A comparative case-control study was performed in which 50 epilepsy cases were matched with 50 controls for age and sex. The mean age of the cases was 9.1(± 3.7) years, 86% from Benghazi. The 68% were primarily generalized seizure, 64% tonic clonic convulsion. The age at diagnosis between 2 months - 13 years. The 74% used Na-valproate as a single or a combined therapy and Carbamazepine was prescribed as a single medication in 18%. No statistical significant differences in the means of CBC indices and liver function profiles (AST and ALT) in the treatment groups compared to the control. Alkaline phosphatise was highly significant difference in the mean between the two groups (P=0.007). Mean of serum Cholesterol level showed higher in the cases than controls with highly statistical significant difference (P<0.001). HDL mean level is higher for cases on carbamazepine and Na-valproate group compared to controls with statistical significant difference (P=0.011). Cases on carbamazepine and Na-valproate group as well showed higher mean LDL level compared to the controls with statistically significant (P=0.006). No any statistical significant difference in means of CBC indices between epileptic patient treated with AED and control. Carbamazepine group expressed higher mean HDL level as compared to Na-valproate group, this difference is highly significant. Key words: Antiepileptic drugs, liver enzymes, lipid profiles.