ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS: PRESCRIPTION PATTERN, HEMATOBIOCHEMICAL CHANGES AND ADVERSE EFFECTS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN EASTERN PROVINCE OF SAUDI-ARABIA

Objectives: To retrospectively determine the prescription pattern of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), hematobiochemical changes, and associated adverse effects. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Neurology, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar, KSA. Data Collection was through Electronic Health Record. A designed validated form to record demographic characteristics, hematological-biochemical parameters and adverse effects were utilized. Results: 115 patients were recruited. 54 (44%) were female and 64 (56%) were male. Carbamazepine; CBZ (n = 47; 40.9%) and Valproic acid; VPA (n = 32; 27.8%) were the most frequently prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). While CBZ + VPA (n = 21, 18.3%) was the most frequently prescribed combination. Generalized seizures were more frequently diagnosed (n = 80, 70%) compared to partial seizures (n = 22, 19%). The hematological abnormalities manifested as reduction in levels of Hemoglobulin (Hg), Hematocrit, Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) with all AEDs, while CBZ treatment was additionally associated with reduction in Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The combination of CBZ + VPA revealed same effect on hematological parameters except that Hematocrit was not reduced in combination therapy. Dermatitis was observed with the use of CBZ while hearing loss was observed with VPA and PHT. Conclusion: Judicious prescription of AED is required, especially when a significant proportion of patients experience hematological, CNS and other adverse effects.