Fractures in epilepsy children

Abstract 

Purpose

To describe a greater risk of fractures (about 2–6 times more often) in epilepsy children than in children without epilepsy.

Methods

This article describe 126 epilepsy children in age 7–16 who were treated with Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) in mono and add-on therapy during 5 years. In the control group were 132 children in age 7–16 without epilepsy and not treated with AEDs, observed in Outpatient Clinic due to headache for 5 years. In both groups we measured bone mineral density (BMD), the calcium and phosphate levels in blood and urine and frequency of fractures. We analyzed both groups statistically (Mann–Whitney test).

Result

The frequency of fractures is 2–3 times greater in children with epilepsy then in the control group. Osteoporosis and osteopenia is more often present in children who have taken AEDs.

Differences in calcium and phosphate levels in blood and urine between study and control group are statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Fractures are an important adverse effect in children who are taking AEDs.

Keywords: Fractures, Bone mineral density, Osteopenia, Epilepsy, Antiepileptic drugs