A Effect of Antiepileptic Medication on Calcium Metabolism and BMD: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide and is primarily treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, long-term AED therapy has been associated with adverse effects, including reduced bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to examine the impact of AEDs on calcium metabolism and BMD in epilepsy patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study conducted at the Department of Neurology Government Medical College, Kota, 135 epilepsy patients who had been receiving AED treatment for at least 6 months were included. Pregnant patients, postmenopausal women, individuals with a history of fractures, a family history of bone disease, chronic illnesses affecting BMD, and patients taking medications known to impact bone density were excluded. Blood samples were analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. BMD was measured using a BMD machine on the left radius. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 25. Results: The study examined the impact of AEDs on bone health in 135 participants with a mean age of 30.83 ± 11.20 years. AED usage was associated with increased serum PTH levels in patients on polytherapy (59.77 ± 5.74 pg/mL) and decreased vitamin D levels in patients on polytherapy (20.12 ± 5.71 ng/mL). Serum calcium levels were lower in patients receiving dual therapy and polytherapy. BMD was significantly lower in patients on dual therapy (−2.12 ± 0.42) and polytherapy (−1.98 ± 0.57) compared to monotherapy (−1.17 ± 0.97). Conclusion: AEDs adversely affect bone health, emphasizing the need for awareness, interventions, and monitoring in epilepsy patients.