Evaluation of Antiepileptic Drugs' Effect on Thyroid Functions and
Hematological Parameters in Epileptic Patients
Abstract
Aim of study: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder. Long-term
antiepileptic drug use is associated with several metabolic and hormonal
disorders. This study aims to investigate the potential effects of
antiepileptic drugs on thyroid functions and complete blood counts.
Methods: Epileptic adult patients followed up regularly were enrolled in
the study. Laboratory parameters including serum thyroid hormone levels
and complete blood counts were evaluated retrospectively. The effects of
antiepileptic drugs on these parameters of the cases were investigated
by comparing the laboratory recordings of the cases in the defined three
periods [prior to antiepileptic drug treatment, in between 6 months to
1 year treatment (early stage) and after 1 year treatment (late
stage)]. Results: A three hundred epileptic patients (F/M: 175/125)
were included in the study. A statistically significant difference in
TSH levels and sT4 levels in late stage compared to pre-treatment
(p=0.006, p=0.0005, respectively). A statistically significant decrease
was recorded in late stage mean leukocyte levels in comparison with
pre-treatment levels (p=0.025). When pre-treatment and late stage mean
thrombocyte levels were compared, a statistically significant decrease
was observed in late phase (p=0.001). Conclusions: According to our
study results, widely used antiepileptic drugs in the world have some
effects on both thyroid functions and complete blood counts. It is
important to emphasize epilepsy treating centers should monitor not only
clinical features of the patients but also laboratory results
periodically. Key words: epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, thyroid
functions, complete blood counts.