Vol. 5, Issue 3 (2016)

Introduction and Background: Epilepsy is a brain ailment that causes epileptic seizures due to the neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social effects of the condition. The study aimed to analyse alterations in biochemical and haematological parameters in patients undergoing anti-epileptic therapy.

Material and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional observational study undertaken with compliance at the Madha Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu between January 2015 to January 2016. Prior to enrollment, all study participants provided informed and written consent. Patients diagnosed with epilepsy who were prescribed antiepileptic drugs were included in the study at the Neurology outpatient department.

Results: Haematological and biochemical markers were assessed once during the enrollment process. 23.93% of patients with epilepsy experienced a drop in haemoglobin levels with a mean of 10.19. Females showed a notable decrease in Hb levels compared to males, while patients on AED polytherapy had a significant drop compared to those on monotherapy. Female patients who had AED polytherapy were at a higher risk of developing anaemia. Approximately 9.41% of individuals with epilepsy saw a reduction in white blood cell levels, while 3.92% experienced a decrease in platelet count, with mean values of 2570 U/L and 101900.25 U/L, respectively. There was no statistically significant variation in WBC and Platelet levels between genders or between patients on AED monotherapy and polytherapy.

Conclusion: Therefore, patients undergoing AED polytherapy should ideally have their haematological and biochemical markers monitored regularly throughout treatment.