Bone Biochemical Profile of Epileptic Patients Undergoing Anti-Epileptic Drug Therapy in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

Epilepsy is characterized by repeated seizure which is an excessive discharge or excitation of cerebral cortical neurons causing disturbance in sensation, loss of consciousness and impairment of mental function. This study was conducted to evaluate the bone biochemical parameters of Epileptic patients on Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) therapy. One hundred and thirty (130) subjects participated in the study which consist of 80 Epileptic patients on AEDs therapy and 50 were age matched controls. Serum calcium, serum Inorganic phosphate, serum Albumin, Serum Total Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase activity and Tartarate Resistance Acid Phosphatase (TRACP) Activity Estimation were determined using standard techniques. The mean value of Calcium was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Epileptic patients as compared to that of controls (1.93 ± 0.40 vs. 2.25 ± 0.25mmol/L). While that of inorganic phosphatase was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in epileptic patients as compared to the controls (1.40 ± 0.62 vs. 1.11 ± 0.38 mmol/L). No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in Albumin, total and bone ALP activity and TRACP activity in Epileptic patients as compared to controls. Also, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the mean values of Calcium, Inorganic Phosphate, Albumin, Total ALP, Bone-specific ALP and TRACP activity of male and female Epileptic patients. Among the
clinicians involved in the management of epileptic patients, 16 (72.73%) were aware that AEDs predisposes Epileptic patients to Bone metabolic disorders. In conclusion, decreased calcium and elevated phosphate were abnormal biochemical findings observed in the study indicating bone metabolic disorders which may lead to bone loss and increased risk of fracture in Epileptic patients on anti-epileptic drug therapy.