Abstract

Objectives: Antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine, often increase the serum concentrations of serum lipids. Studies evaluating the effect of levetiracetam (LEV), a newer broad spectrum antiepileptic agent, on serum lipid levels are very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the effect of LEV monotherapy on serum lipid profile in children with epilepsy. Material and methods: The study population consisted of 20 children (8 males, 12 females, aged 2 to 15 years old, mean age 6.5±4.16 years) with epilepsy treated with LEV monotherapy. None of the children were receiving any form of AED medication prior to LEV initiation. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein AI (apo A-I), apolipoprotein B (apo B) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] were evaluated in all children, before and at 2 and 6 months of LEV monotherapy. Results: TC and HDL-C were significantly increased at 6 (p=0.011 and p=0.012, respectively) months of LEV treatment. There were no significant alterations in LDL-C, TGs, apo A-I, apo B and Lp(a) levels during the study. Conclusions: LEV monotherapy may cause significant alterations in TC, and HDL-C levels in children with epilepsy, occurring early in the course of treatment. Long-term, large, prospective studies are required to clarify the possible effect of LEV on serum lipid profile, the underlying mechanisms involved and its clinical significance.

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