Epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs: risk factors for atherosclerosis. (3rd July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Talaat, Forayssa M.; Kamel, Tayssir; Rabah, Amany M.; Ahmed, Sandra M.; El-Jaafary, Shaimaa I.; Abdelaziz, Ghada H.
• Is Part Of: International journal of neuroscience. Volume 125:Number 7(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 507
• Page End: 511
• Publication Date: 2015-07-03
• Subjects: epilepsy -- atherosclerosis -- serum lipids -- hs-C reactive protein -- fibrinogen; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.805
• DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2014.949704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7454

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic disease that affects metabolism either alone or through the antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. A risk of atherosclerosis has been found in epileptic patients. Aim : Prove the potential role of epilepsy and/or its treatment as atherosclerotic risk factors. Subject and Methods: Forty Egyptian patients with primary idiopathic epilepsy were compared to 20 healthy controls. B-mode ultrasound examination of the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA IMT), measurement of serum lipid profile, fibrinogen and high sensitive C-reactive protein were performed to both groups. Results: Patients had significantly increased right and left CCA IMT ( p < 0.05); elevated levels of HDL ( p < 0.01) and hs-CRP ( p = 0.009) in comparison to control subjects. Positive correlation was found between IMT and hs-CRP ( p < 0.05) as well as fibrinogen level ( p < 0.05). Carbamazepine level was positively correlated to triglycerides ( r = 0.748, p = 0.013) and Valproate level was positively correlated to hs-CRP serum level ( r = 0.556, p = 0.032). Conclusion: Epilepsy and AED's are potential risk factors for atherosclerosis. Weak relation between epilepsy and/or AED's and lipid profile was found. Hs-CRP may be implicated in atherosclerosis in epileptic patients.