Effects of Levetiracetam and Topiramate Monotherapy on Oral Health in Epileptic Children

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurologic disease in children associated with multipleneurodevelopmental comorbidities or related to adverse drug reactions due to antiepileptic drugs. Objective: To study the effects of Levetiracetam (LEV) and Topiramate (TPM) monotherapy on oral cavity, to improve oral health care of epileptic children. Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 60 epileptic children of age group 6 -12 years compared to 30 normal age- and sex-matched controls, 30 children on LEV monotherapy and 30 on TPM monotherapy. All were subjected to full clinical dental examination by a pediatric dental expert. Results: There was significant increase in plaque index 50% grade 3 in children receiving antiepileptic medications, the decay-missing-filled (DMF) index was significantly more in children than in epileptic children, 43.3 % of children on antiepileptic having grade 1 Gingival index, while grade 2 gingival enlargements were noticed in 43.3% and dental hygiene was missed in 76.7% of children on antiepileptic drugs. Most of the indices were little more with TPM group than LEV group. Conclusions: Both LEV and TPM affect oral health of epileptic children, which makes regular screening for oral health by a pediatric dental expert necessary to detect early changes and intervene to improve their quality of life.