Effects of Antiepileptic Drug Therapy on 25oh Vitamin D Levels

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic condition with an incidence of 4–10/1,000 worldwide, Antiepileptic drugs (AED) in common use are carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (DPH), phenobarbitone (PB), and sodium valproate. The effect of AEDs on the vitamin D metabolism is of considerable value especially in children. There are few clinicians who use prophylactic calcium or vitamin D for patients taking AED. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of antiepileptic drugs on vitamin D by measuring 25OH vitamin D levels in patients on AEDs. Methods: This case control study was conducted in paediatric department, Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. In a duration of 6 months, 34 cases of epileptic children taking CBZ and valproic acid for more than 3 months were selected and 25OH Vitamin D levels were measured and compared with 25OH Vit D levels in healthy controls. Results: Out of 34 cases, 11 (32.4%) cases had decreased vitamin D levels (≤20 ηg/dL) whereas 2 (5.9%) had decreased vitamin D levels in control group (p=0.006). Conclusion: Antiepileptic drugs negatively effect bone metabolism and increase the risk of osteoporosis, fractures and rickets in children.