Effect of Anti-Epileptic Drugs Usage on Thyroid Profile in Egyptian Epileptic Children

Background AEDs Has been associated with disturbances in thyroid functions. This was studied in adults but there is contradictory data in children especiall newer AEDs. Objective This study aims to compare the effects of conventional and newer AEDs whether mono or polytherapy on thyroid profile in epileptic children. Results This study included 155 children with epilepsy (54.84 % euthyroid, 31.61% hypothyroid, 9.68% subclinical hypothyroid and 3.87 % subclinical hypothyroid) and 78 healthy controls. Epileptic children compliant on AEDS either mono-therapy or poly-therapy are associated with a statistically significant thyroid profile abnormalities (hypothyroidism, sub-clinical hypothyroidism or sub-clinical hyperthyroidism). There was no statistically significant difference between poly-therapy and mono-therapy. Carbamazepine had a statistically significant association with hypothyroidism and valproic acid had a statistically significant association with sub-clinical hypothyroidism. LEV also wa associated with significat thyroid dysfunction. There was no statistically significant difference between those on two AEDS those on three AEDS and those on four or five AEDS. Conclusion AEDs whether older or newer generations can effect thyroid profile. Anti –epileptic drugs whether conventional or new ones are associated with hypothyroidism, sub-clinical hypothyroidism, sub- clinical hyperthyroidism.