ABSTRACT

To evaluate the effect of short- and long-term treatment on laboratory parameters in patients diagnosed with epilepsy in childhood and receiving monotherapy (carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenobarbital, levetiracetam).

This study included a total of 258 patients who were admitted to Adiyaman University pediatric neurology clinic between 1 October 2017 and 1 June 2019, diagnosed with epilepsy, and received monotherapy. Hematological, biochemical, and hormonal profiles were compared in the third and nine months following the initiation of monotherapy.

Of the patients, 115 (44.57%) were female and 143 (55.43%) were male. The mean age was 8.33 ± 3.51 (0-17) years. Examination of biochemical parameters showed that there was a statistically significant difference in creatinine levels in patients using levetiracetam and phenobarbital (p = 0.009, p = 0.031); calcium levels in patients using valproic acid (p = 0.002); and alanine aminotransferase levels in patients using carbamazepine (p = 0.045). Considering hematological parameters, a statistically significant difference was observed in white blood cell count levels in patients receiving valproic acid (p = 0.005); hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in those receiving carbamazepine (p = 0.010, p = 0.042); and platelet levels in patients receiving phenobarbital (p = 0.037). In all patients receiving monotherapy, there was no statistically significant difference between hormonal parameters (folate, 25-OH D3, vitamin B12, free t4, and TSH) measured in the third and ninth months.

We recommend that AED therapy should be checked routinely to investigate the effects of treatment on hormonal, biochemical, and hematological parameters.

Keywords: Antiepileptic drug, children, epilepsy, monotheraphy