Effect of long term treatment with antiepileptic drugs on carotid intima-media thickness as an indicator of atherosclerosis

Purpose: The aim of current study was to investigate the possible relation between antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and atheosclerotic risk factors and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) as a marker of atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: Ninety-two patients, who had used carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproic acid (VPA) for three or more years and who had used a second AED (polytherapy) for two years in addition to CBZ or VPA monotherapy, were included in the study. The control group was composed of 31subjects with similiar demographics. Fasting blood glucose, liver and renal function tests, lipid profile, homocysteine, serum high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (Hs-CRP), uric acid (UA), lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)), folate and vitamine B12 levels were examined in both groups. Results: Homocysteine levels were higher in the VPA, CBZ and politherapy groups compared to the control group. UA levels were higher in the VPA monotherapy group when compared to the CBZ monotherapy and polytherapy group. In the CBZ monotherapy group, Hs-CRP levels were higher than in the VPA monotherapy, polytherapy and control groups. Total cholesterol levels were higher in the CBZ monotherapy group when compared to the VPA monotherapy and control groups. Conclusion: The findings showed no correlation between IMT values and duration of disease, duration of drug usage and dose, which suggests that long-term AED usage does not increase the development of atherosclerosis.