Effect of Antiepileptic Drugs on Thyroid Profile in Patients of Epilepsy

ABSTRACT

Antiepilectic drug is the main stay of treatment for most patients with epilepsy. These may cause Patients with epilepsy are often required to take antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for a long period of time. However, prolonged use of AEDs is known to be associated with adverse effects such as metabolic and organ toxicity, endocrine disturbance, negative cognitive effects, and psychiatric problems; particularly with alterations in thyroid function in patients with epilepsy and is thought to correlate with type of AED taken. Objective: To study the effect of antiepileptic drugs on serum thyroid profile in epileptic patients and to compare the relationship of change with type of drug intake. Study Design: A Case Control Prospective Study. Methods: A total number of 80 subjects presenting with epilepsy in the OPD of Medicine of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, attached to Government Medical College Amritsar, were selected. 40 epileptic patients taking Antiepileptic Drugs for a minimum period of 1 year constituted case group and 40 normal healthy individuals constituted control group. They were again divided according to type of drug intake. Results: AEDs causes significant increase in TSH levels and this increase is further related to type of drug intake. Conclusion: ?