Serum calcium deficiency and bone mineral density in patients on long-term anti-epileptic therapy

Introduction: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder, usually requiring long-term treatment with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). AED therapy is associated with metabolic bone disease and is a major iatrogenic risk factor for fractures. There remains uncertainty about the type(s) of bone disease due to AED treatment and the pathogenesis of AED-associated fractures. The fracture rate in patients with epilepsy is 2–6 times higher than the rate observed in the general population. Only a few studies in India have studied the prevalence of osteopenia in patients on long-term AEDs. Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to find out the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia and to correlate serum calcium levels with bone mineral density (BMD) by bone densitometer in patients with epilepsy on long-term AED therapy. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at Government Medical College and Hospital where 50 cases having epilepsy of more than or equal to 2 years duration and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were taken by comparing BMD and associated parameters. Results: Mean BMD value was low in cases as compared to controls in all age groups with a significant decrease in young age group and as the duration of AED therapy increased the mean BMD decreased.