Evaluating the effect of antiepileptic drugs on the function of the thyroid gland of children

Seizures are one of the most important sudden and uncontrolled electrical disorders in the brain, which in acute cases can lead to sudden loss of consciousness and muscle spasms. Phenobarbital, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and phenytoin are among the most important anticonvulsant drugs. Negative effects on lipid profile, metabolic functions and hypothyroidism are among the side effects of using these drugs. Considering that clinical hypothyroidism and changes in the function and serum levels of thyroid hormones are very common in children, this research was conducted to investigate the role of these drugs in the function of the thyroid gland and its related metabolites, in Amir Al Momenin Hospital, Zabol city in 2024. In this research, the levels of thyroid hormones T4, FT3, FT4 and TSH in the treatment and healthy groups were investigated in the period before starting the drug, at the end of the first month (under the title of patients of group 1) and at the end of the third month (under the title of patients of the group 2). The analysis of this research showed that the use of anticonvulsant drugs leads to a decrease in T4, FT3 and FT4 and an increase in TSH. It was also found that one month and three months after starting anticonvulsant drugs, the effects of clinical hypothyroidism were more pronounced compared to before taking the medication. The results of this research also showed that carbamazepine and phenytoin drugs are strongly related to the reduction of T4 levels. Also, the lowest rate of thyroid destruction is related to the use of lamotrigine. In general, the results of this research provided the opportunity to highlight the effect of important factors related to anticonvulsant drugs on thyroid hormone levels.